Grow It Green gala sets new mark in Morristown

Nicole Fletcher receives Outstanding Service Award from Grow It Green's Farmer Shaun. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown, April 22, 2017
Nicole Fletcher receives Outstanding Service Award from Grow It Green's Farmer Shaun. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown, April 22, 2017
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From Grow It Green Morristown:

Grow It Green Morristown Brings In Over $45,000 at Sold-Out 5th Annual Gala,

Surpasses Previous Years

Proceeds raised will go to further fund efforts in local gardening and farming,  fresh produce donations, and community education on healthy eating and environmental stewardship –

Over 160 people attended the 5th Annual Diamonds for Kale Gala on Earth Day, April 22, 2017, in support of Grow It Green Morristown, a nonprofit focused on making fresh, local food and outdoor green spaces accessible to the greater Morristown community.

The gala, held at the Kellogg Club, grossed over $45,000 – surpassing funds raised in previous years.

Funds raised make up a large part of the nonprofit’s annual revenue and will go to help further efforts in local gardening and farming, fresh produce donations, and community education on healthy eating and environmental stewardship.

Honored at this year’s event was Kings Food Markets, which received the Corporate Partner of the Year Award. Mary Ann Klejmont, Kings Area Director, accepted the award for Kings Food Markets, and delighted the organization and event guests when she presented a $25,000 check to the nonprofit.

Kings is honored as Corporate Partner of the Year. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown, April 22, 2017
Kings is honored as Corporate Partner of the Year. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown, April 22, 2017

Grow It Green also honored Nicole Fletcher, a Morristown resident for over 40 years, with the first-ever Outstanding Service Award for her countless volunteer hours at the Urban Farm and Early Street Community Garden.

The fun-filled evening featured local, seasonally-inspired light fare, courtesy of Ome Caterers, as well as organic and/or sustainable wines from Cambridge Wines, local craft brewed beer from Man Skirt Brewing, and signature cocktails featuring vodka from local Claremont Distillery.

Live jazz music by the Copacetic Clams filled the room as guests danced, got their caricatures drawn by caricature artist, My Funny Side, and participated in the tricky tray and lively silent auction featuring unique offerings from local businesses.

Caricatures by My Funny Side, at GiGM 2017 gala. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown
Caricatures by My Funny Side, at GiGM 2017 gala. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown

Cheery volunteers, dressed as a Pea and a Carrot, also worked the room accepting donations toward Grow It Green’s produce donation program.

“This year’s gala exceeded our expectations, and it was wonderful to see so many old and new friends in the community come together for a cause for which we are all passionate. It is through the support and generosity of our greater community that allows us to further our mission in making fresh, local food accessible to all,” says Abby Gallo, Grow It Green Morristown executive director.

Funds are continuously being raised through this Sunday, April 30, 2017, through Cambridge Wines’ Cases for a Cause program. Individuals can purchase a half or full case of wine featured at the gala and Grow It Green will receive a portion of the proceeds. Visit www.growitgreenmorristown.org/diamondsforkale for details.

EAT YOUR VEGETABLES? Mayor Tim Dougherty and his wife Mary Dougherty mind their peas and carrots. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown, April 22, 2017
EAT YOUR VEGETABLES? Mayor Tim Dougherty and his wife Mary Dougherty mind their peas and carrots. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown, April 22, 2017

 

ABOUT GROW IT GREEN MORRISTOWN

Grow It Green Morristown is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to create sustainable farms and gardens that provide equal access to fresh, local food and educate communities through programs focused on healthy eating and environmental stewardship. Major sponsorship for Grow It Green Morristown is provided by Kings Food Markets. For more information, visit www. growitgreenmorristown.org.

Patrons at Diamonds for Kale Gala, April 22, 2017. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown
Patrons at Diamonds for Kale Gala, April 22, 2017. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown
Having fun at the 2017 Diamonds for Kale Gala. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown
Having fun at the 2017 Diamonds for Kale Gala. Photo courtesy of Grow It Green Morristown

1 COMMENT

  1. Well deserved recognition for Nicole Fletcher. I also remember how hard she worked helping the Passaic River Coalition clean up Willow Hall. Without the support of our volunteers, groups like Grow It green and the PRC could not survive.

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