Community Gardens of Tucson (CGT), a nonprofit organization germinated in 1990 by author George Brookbank, will host a fundraising celebration in his honor at the site of its 25th garden on Sunday, October 25th. The Big 25th Celebration will kick-off at 12:30pm in the Tucson Jewish Community Center’s Sculpture Garden with a lunch buffet, education stations, live music with Harvey on Broadway and the Every Man Band and a silent auction, followed by a program honoring Brookbank, CGT Board Chair Emeritus. In addition to creating a network of gardens across the city, Brookbank is a former University of Arizona Agent for Urban Horticulture and popular gardening author.
In an open invite to the public, co-founder Darlene Schacht said, “Bringing people together in their own neighborhoods creates a supportive bond. And sharing extra produce along with recipes increases nutritional awareness for both young and old. This should be a community-wide celebration because we still hear way too often that we are the best kept secret in Tucson.”
CGT creates and oversees shared gardens on public and private sites and provides support for gardeners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This primarily volunteer-led organization works to enhance the lives of nearly 500 members who grow and harvest their own food, as well as the residents surrounding these sites, through community building, gardening tips, neighborhood beautification and ecological enhancements.
Approximately 25% of CGT gardeners receive scholarship funding to cover gardening-related expenses. Among these gardeners are over 60 refugees. The Co-op Gardener Program gives the opportunity to do work exchange for plot fees. A third of CGT’s gardens reside on school properties and work with schools to bring experiential learning, physical activity, environmental awareness and healthy food acquisition to youth. CGT partners with multiple community organizations and businesses to support these efforts. Proceeds of The Big 25th event will continue the fundamental work of improving food systems and sources and enhancing neighborhoods throughout the Greater Tucson community.
To purchase tickets for The Big 25th Celebration ($25/ticket includes lunch), please visit www.communitygardensoftucson.org or call 520-795-8823
Join or Share the event via Facebook
See garden photos here.
Get to know the founder, George Brookbank, author and horticulturalist
Discover, give, and join at www.communitygardensoftucson.org
