Brenda and her husband Mark, have been life-long residents of Niagara County. Their hearts have been dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities since the birth of their boys, Mark and Mitchell. They founded Challenger Sports of WNY, a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides recreational and social activities for individuals with special needs. Their faith and compassion for individuals with special needs inspired their purchase of the property at 6515 Ridge Road, Lockport. This property was originally owned by the Presbyterian Church and built in 1872.  Mark and Brenda's original intentions were to open an antique/gift shop as well as a "day hab" - a safe community-based program for intellectually and physically challenged adults.

Today, while the Day Hab is not yet developed, Mark and Brenda have successfully transformed this property into three distinct spaces: 1) an Antique and Gift store, The Checkered Poppy, 2) The Gathering Place - an event space available to rent for parties, and 3) a functional church - rented by an active church group.  Success is nothing new for this team. They have blended their talents in the past to successfully build and operate Amish Blessings Cabins in Berlin, Ohio since 2005. The mission of the Checkered Poppy is to establish a profitable business and use a portion of the profits to benefit non-profit organizations that provide services for individuals with physical and/or intellectual challenges. The Checkered Poppy at present has over 50 local vendors selling unique handmade gifts as well as vintage items, antiques and collectibles.