National Garden Bureau nears first fundraising goal to build therapeutic garden

DOWNERS GROVE, IL -- Just weeks ago, the National Garden Bureau launched the first-of-its-kind “Growing for Futures” (#growingforfutures) philanthropic program to build therapeutic gardens. Since then, online and offline cash donations have reached more than $7,200, with another $2,800 needed to reach the first goal of $10,000. This ongoing, annual, fundraising initiative is designed to further the mission of National Garden Bureau, which is to raise awareness of gardening, the good it can bring into one’s life while increasing the overall use of flowers and plants.

Once the goal of $10,000 is reached, a check will be presented to the Growing Solutions Farm in Chicago so they can begin to build the remaining areas needed to get the farm to full productivity.

The Growing Solutions Farm is the first beneficiary of National Garden Bureau’s (NGB) annual fundraising effort. This Farm is a vocational program of the Julie + Michael Tracy Family Foundation/Urban Autism Solutions (JMTF), which serves, educates and trains young adults with autism. 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.

So far, All-America Selections, Bruss Landscaping, Greenheart Farms, Proven Winners, Sakata Ornamentals, Seeds by Design, and Terra Organics have provided major financial donations to the program, along with countless individuals.

NGB’s long-term goal is to raise $50,000 in both cash and supplies to help support the continued growth of this innovative garden project. Donations can be made via Indiegogo before October 23, 2014 or by mailing contributions directly to National Garden Bureau at 1311 Butterfield Road, Suite 310, Downers Grove, IL 60515.

For more information about the program, visit www.ngb.org and follow #growingforfutures on social media.