Thank you, Westchester!
Our 4th Annual Westchester Garden Walk on Saturday, July 23rd, was a smashing success. The skies cleared after an overnight thunderstorm and garden enthusiasts were treated to eight distinct, equally beautiful gardens, all located in the northeast section of Westchester. Even more funds were raised for the Westchester Food Pantry than anticipated, continuing the trend of increasing the donation amount every year. After adding up ticket sales, raffle sales, donations, and sponsorships, we presented the pantry's Executive Director, Amanda Grant, with the proceeds from the walk. A staggering $5,100!
The Westchester Food Pantry serves as a resource throughout the year for those who are hungry and food insecure. Supported by the generous donations and work of the community – residents, organizations, and businesses – the pantry is able to supplement food needs in the Village of Westchester and in several neighboring communities.
“The need has never been greater,” said Amanda. “Our client base has increased 70% since the pandemic began, while donations have dipped due to rising inflation. We are forever grateful to Grassroots Garden Group for their loyal support.”
Since its inception, Grassroots Garden Group's community fundraising efforts for the pantry have raised nearly $20,000. In addition to our annual Westchester Garden Walk, we raise funds for the pantry via our annual plant sale and, on occasion, tulip bulb sales.
“It was another outstanding year for the Westchester Garden Walk,” said Grassroots Garden Group founder and president, Bethanny Alexander. “As we look forward to next summer, we are pleased to be considered one of the premiere garden walks in the western suburbs.”
We would like to thank this year's walk sponsors, homeowners, attendees, and volunteers once again--- YOU made this event a success. With $5,100, the pantry can acquire nearly $46,000 of food through the Greater Chicago Food Depository!
Sponsors (click each to learn more):
Homeowners:
Bill and Beverly Ernst
Rick Grabenstein
Michael Plowman and Joseph Bove
Paul Pomeroy and Debbie Kahl
Mike and Michele Isherwood
Amy and Jerry Chenski
Ellen and Ray Alamilla
Raffle Prizes & Yard Art:
The Home Depot
Luurs Garden & Flower Shoppe
Pamela Howard
Regina LeFlore
Margaret Alexander
Victoria Beck
Additional thanks to:
Ann Biala, Britten School
Annie Davis
Claudia Gabel, Westchester Food Pantry
Paul Gangi, Minuteman Press
Paul Gattuso, Paul's Pizza & Hotdog
And many, many more.
Grassroots Garden Group is scouting for gardens for our 5th Annual Westchester Garden Walk! If you are interested in sharing your garden for a good cause and inspiring people in your community, please apply online.