Thank you, Westchester!
Our 5th Annual Westchester Garden Walk on Saturday, July 22nd, was a smashing success. The weather could not have been better for garden enthusiasts to enjoy 6 distinct, yet equally beautiful, gardens. We broke records yet again, as we raised even more funds than were raised last year, 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 $6,300!
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. Run entirely by volunteers, with not even the executive officers pulling a salary, the Pantry is truly a labor of love.
In 2022, the Pantry served 4,895 client households, or approximately 16,000 individuals. This represents a 65% increase over 2021; a 20% increase over 2020 (‘the height of the pandemic’) and an 85% increase over 2019. Their clients were provided with 183 tons of food, which equates to about 300,000 meals, at a retail value of nearly $1.8 million. Each client received over $350 worth of groceries, every time they came to the Pantry. Learn more here.
Since its inception, Grassroots Garden Group's community fundraising efforts for the pantry have raised over $28,000. In addition to our annual Westchester Garden Walk, we raise funds for the pantry at our annual seedling sale, held every May at the corner of Cermak and Mannheim.
We would like to thank this year's walk sponsors, homeowners, attendees, and volunteers once again--- YOU made this event a success. With $6,300, the pantry can provide nearly 19,000 meals!
Sponsors (click blue links to learn more):
Homeowners:
Carolyn & Joel Simone
Suzanne & David Ankenbruck
Nancy & Norm Zubik
Kaye Aurigemma
Anne & Al Chambers
Sandra & Richard Morales
Raffle Prizes & Yard Art:
Bethanny Alexander
Margaret Alexander
Pamela Howard
Joel & Carolyn Simone
Additional thanks to:
And many, many more.
The search is on to find gardens for our 6th Annual Westchester Garden Walk! Our next walk will be located in the southeast corner of town between Windsor Dr. & 31st St., and the forest preserve & Mayfair Ave. If you live within these borders and would like your garden to be considered, please visit the Volunteer page on our website and complete a brief questionnaire. A Grassroots Garden Group member will follow up with you to schedule a visit to view your garden before the growing season ends.
Reasons to open up your garden:
Help those in need
Encourage fellow gardeners
Meet great people
Show off our beautiful village
Attend our Preview Party with advance viewing of all gardens
