The Legacy of Evergreen Manor and Its Influence on our Wellness Retreats in Park City, Utah

We are often asked, “Where does your passion come from?”. It is not just a simple answer for us, so we decided to dig deeper into our personal history, get real time stories from the founders, and find out why the hosts at Red House Wellness are so passionate about their wellness retreats that have transformed lives.

A Story of Legacy and Wellness: How a Personal Struggle Turned into Thousands Healed

Sherri Lukac has dedicated her life to promoting wellness, a passion deeply influenced by her mother, Kitt Smith. Kitt was a trailblazer in the health and wellness space, founding Evergreen Manor in Arkansas as a haven for individuals seeking better health through fasting, cleansing, and holistic practices. Her innovative approach included embracing fresh, nutrient-dense foods and encouraging balance in both body and mind. 

As a child, Sherri experienced firsthand the transformative impact of her mother’s teachings, from participating in watermelon fasts to visiting fasting spas. These formative experiences not only shaped her understanding of well-being but also planted the seed for something greater. Inspired by her mother’s commitment, Sherri expanded upon this foundation by establishing Red House Wellness. 

While Evergreen Manor emphasized physical and mental health, Red House Wellness incorporates a more comprehensive model that includes emotional and spiritual dimensions, reflecting Sherri’s belief that true health involves nurturing all aspects of a person’s being.

The Roots of Evergreen Manor 

Kitt Smith's introduction to holistic health was deeply personal, sparked by her struggles with asthma. Faced with the limitations of traditional medicine, she sought alternative methods to improve her quality of life. Her determination led her to fasting and cleansing, practices she discovered could alleviate her symptoms and promote overall vitality. This transformative experience ignited a passion that would shape her life’s work.

With a growing conviction in the power of natural health solutions, Kitt founded Evergreen Manor in Arkansas—a retreat space dedicated to holistic wellness. The foundation of Evergreen Manor was built on principles she had tested in her own life: the power of fasting, the importance of cleansing, and the healing potential of nourishing, unprocessed foods. These practices were designed not only to detoxify the body but also to restore energy and balance.

Sherri recalls how her mother’s teachings became a way of life for their family. “She’d say, ‘Monday is fruit day,’ and we’d focus on cleansing through simple, fresh foods.” This focus extended to organized fasting retreats, where participants could immerse themselves in the practices Kitt had perfected. Evergreen Manor quickly became a haven for individuals seeking renewal, offering programs that encouraged both physical and emotional release.

Pictured: Sherri on the bottom far right, Sherri’s Mother, Kitt Smith on top right, and Sherri’s sister, Candie Morgan, on the bottom far left.

During its years of operation, Evergreen Manor became more than a retreat—it was a symbol of empowerment through self-care. Kitt’s belief in the body’s ability to heal itself with the right support resonated with many, establishing Evergreen Manor as a pioneer in the holistic wellness movement. This legacy, built on Kitt’s resilience and curiosity, became the foundation Sherri later expanded upon through Red House Wellness, weaving her mother’s teachings into a broader framework for modern well-being.

Lessons from A Mother: A Wellness Pioneer

Kitt Smith’s approach to health and wellness was rooted in balance, vitality, and the transformative power of real food. Sherri Lukac recalls her mother’s love for eating, paired with a commitment to health practices that kept her energized and vibrant. “My mom loved to eat,” Sherri shared, “but she balanced it with fasting and cleansing to optimize her health.” This philosophy extended into everyday life, where practices like “fruit days” and periodic fasting became a family routine, showcasing Kitt’s belief in the restorative potential of fresh, natural foods.

Kitt didn’t just teach these principles—she lived them with dedication and curiosity. Her mornings often started with exercise, sometimes spending hours weight training or dancing, which she described as her way of feeling good and enjoying life. Her willingness to try new methods of wellness, whether experimenting with food plans or engaging in holistic retreats, made her a true pioneer in this space.

Sherri vividly remembers attending fasting retreats with her mother and even participating in a seven-day water fast under Kitt’s guidance. These experiences were not only formative for Sherri but also demonstrated Kitt’s emphasis on proper preparation and recovery. Her mother’s vibrant energy and dedication to well-being were evident in everything she did, from salsa dancing to her adventurous travels.

Kitt’s teachings weren’t just about physical health—they were about embracing life fully, finding joy in movement, and committing to practices that nourished both body and spirit. Today, Sherri carries these lessons forward, honoring her mother’s legacy through her work at Red House Wellness.

Challenges and Growth Along the Way to Success

Sherri Lukac’s path to success was shaped by the challenges she faced throughout her life, particularly within her family. Growing up, she witnessed the struggles of her parents’ divorce, which created emotional turbulence during her formative years. Reflecting on these experiences, Sherri acknowledges that the adversity taught her to approach life with resilience and a focus on personal growth. “I’ve come to see every challenge and stressful situation as an opportunity to learn and grow,” she explains, recognizing that these moments laid the groundwork for her approach to wellness.

Sherri’s mother, Kitt Smith, served as a stabilizing influence during these times. Kitt’s commitment to health and positivity provided a counterbalance to the difficulties Sherri faced. Sherri recalls her mother’s unwavering optimism, saying, “She always said, ‘Today is a blessing, and we can use it to better ourselves.’” This mindset inspired Sherri to persevere through her own struggles, finding strength in the lessons her mother imparted.

These life experiences gave Sherri a unique perspective on the connection between emotional well-being and overall health. The challenges she encountered not only deepened her empathy for others but also fueled her determination to create a holistic approach to wellness. At Red House Wellness, she emphasizes the importance of addressing emotional and spiritual needs alongside physical and mental health, creating a comprehensive system that reflects her own hard-won understanding of what it takes to thrive.

Looking to the Future: Continuing the Legacy

As Sherri Lukac reflects on the values and growth of Red House Wellness, her aspirations for the future remain deeply tied to its roots while embracing new opportunities for expansion. She envisions a legacy that continues to prioritize holistic health, personal empowerment, and the transformative principles established by her mother, Kitt Smith. Central to this vision is Sherri's daughter, Sandra, who plays a pivotal role in imagining the future of Red House Wellness.

Sandra’s perspective, influenced by her upbringing and career in tech, brings fresh ideas for broadening Red House Wellness’s impact. Together, Sherri and Sandra dream of a “Red House Wellness 2.0”—a specialized retreat designed exclusively for past participants who wish to deepen their experience. Sandra imagines this next chapter in a unique location, such as Mexico, a place that holds personal significance for her.

In addition to enriching individual experiences, Sandra is passionate about bridging the gap between wellness and the corporate world. With her firsthand knowledge of the demands of corporate life, she hopes to extend the Red House Wellness philosophy to employees of large companies. Her vision includes hosting retreats that teach professionals how to balance work and well-being, fostering productivity without sacrificing personal health.

Looking ahead, Sherri and Sandra aim to solidify Red House Wellness as a sanctuary where tradition and innovation meet, ensuring its impact continues to ripple through generations, nurturing the inner and outer lives of those it touches.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present, and Inspiring the Future

The story of Red House Wellness is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to holistic health, carrying forward the legacy of Kitt Smith and the transformative work of Evergreen Manor. Sherri Lukac and her daughter Sandra exemplify how honoring the past can fuel meaningful growth in the present and inspire bold aspirations for the future. Their journey invites readers to reflect on their own paths toward wellness and self-discovery.

Take a step toward balance and healing by exploring the principles of Red House Wellness.

Rooted in tradition, designed for today, and ready to inspire generations to come.