The National Garden Bureau (NGB) created “Growing for Futures,” a philanthropic program to build therapeutic gardens.
The first beneficiary of the annual fundraising effort is Growing Solutions Farm in Chicago, a vocational program of the Julie + Michael Tracy Family Foundation/Urban Autism Solutions, which serves, educates and trains young adults with autism. NGB aims to raise $10,000. As a vocational therapy garden, the Growing Solutions Farm exists to cultivate horticulture careers and life skills while also growing vegetables, fruits and herbs for partnering organizations.
Thus far, online and offline cash donations have reached more than $7,200, with major financial backing from All-America Selections, Bruss Landscaping, Greenheart Farms, Proven Winners, Sakata Ornamentals, Seeds By Design and Terra Organics.
Once the goal of $10,000 is reached, a check will be presented to Growing Solutions Farm so it can begin to build the remaining areas needed to get the farm to full productivity.
NGB’s long-term goal is to raise $50,000 in cash and supplies to help support the continued growth of the garden project. Donations can be made via Indiegogo before Oct. 23 or by mailing contributions directly to NGB at 1311 Butterfield Road, Suite 310, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
