"We are excited to announce that Grassroots Garden Group is now officially recognized as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Westchester residents and local businesses that would like to support Grassroots Garden Group's beautification and education efforts in the community can now make tax deductible financial donations! Many people that have learned of Grassroots Garden Group's work within the community have asked how they could help us grow. Their subsequent donations of plants, supplies, and time have been exceedingly generous, and we have accomplished more than we thought possible because of support such as this. Our not-for-profit status affords our supporters just one more opportunity to help us take our efforts to the next level.
Our name is truly apt, as it has been a grassroots effort to improve the community that has brought us to this point. Grassroots Garden Group was formed in 2015 with the intention of educating residents and giving local gardeners the opportunity to meet and learn from each other. We have been enhancing public spaces ever since with plants from our own yards and money from our own pockets. While elbow grease, ingenuity, and determination help to keep costs at a minimum, it is necessary to spend money to complete certain projects. One of our most recent endeavors, the selection and planting of our official Westchester village flower, required $300 for plants alone. Our members were only too happy to pitch in both financially and physically and plant the coneflowers that now grace the front of village hall.
The ability to accept monetary donations will not only aid projects that benefit the community, but will allow us to expand our fundraising efforts for other organizations, including the Westchester Food Pantry. Grassroots Garden Group currently holds 3 annual events benefiting the pantry: our spring plant sale, summer garden walk, and fall tulip bulb sale. Our first annual Westchester Garden Walk was held this year and was a smashing success thanks to the support of the community and from selfless sponsors that donated without the benefit of a tax deduction. Our members stepped up once again to help pay for tents, fans, food, and other items. Every penny made from the garden walk benefited the pantry, bringing in $2,700 total.
We are so thankful for the opportunity to live in and serve this wonderful community. Our members have given of themselves not just because they love to garden, but because they realize that communities like this do not come about on their own. With your support, I'm certain we can make 2020 our best year yet."
Sincerely,
Bethanny Alexander
Grassroots Garden Group founder and President
If you are interested in supporting the work of Grassroots Garden Group by check, please make them payable to:
Grassroots Garden Group
Checks can be mailed to:
Bethanny Alexander
Grassroots Garden Group
1401 Evers Avenue
Westchester, IL 60154
Cash donations are also accepted, and can be made in person at any of our events or group meetings.