Wine fundraiser to benefit tree program

Geneva's Natural Resources Committee continues its mission to bolster the city's tree canopy with the return of the popular "Wine, Cheese & Trees"fundraiser this month.

The committee, in conjunction with the Western Avenue Elementary School's Get Up and Grow Committee, will host the third annual event from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road.

Six wines will be paired with cheese and appetizers from local merchants. The evening also will feature art courtesy of The Art Box, live music, a "wine wall," and silent auction, which will include a sports package of four Chicago Bulls tickets, rounds of golf, restaurant certificates and more.

Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased through Western Avenue School's website at tinyurl.com/GenevaWCT2014; the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. Third St.; the Geneva Wine Cellar, 227 S. Third St.; or by contacting NRC Chairman Jay Womack via email at jwomack@wrdenvironmental.com.

The Natural Resources Committee has pledged to use event proceeds toward a city parkway reforestation program called the Greening Geneva initiative.

Geneva, like many communities in the Chicago area has lost a number of ash trees due to the emerald ash borer infestation. The city has removed about 2,500 of the 2,700 infected parkway ash trees during the past several years.

Last fall, the Natural Resources Committee presented the city with a $10,000 donation that was used to purchase 30 new trees for the downtown.

Get Up and Grow's proceeds will augment the organic garden at Western Avenue School with a tool shed/farm stand, additional raised beds, planting materials and art work. The garden was started in 2011 to enhance the existing curriculum through hands-on learning while reinforcing family and community connections. Today, the garden contains planting quadrants, a berry patch, a fruit orchard, a gourd tunnel and native prairie surrounded by accessible walkways that are anchored by a reading circle.

"The NRC and Get Up and Grow Committee have worked very hard this year to secure fantastic donations from many merchants in and around Geneva, and we are excited to share them at this year's event," Womack said. "We are also proud of the work we have achieved during the last few years and hope people will come out and support both causes, which will shape young lives and the city streets for years to come."

For more information on the Wine, Cheese and Trees fundraiser, contact Jay Womack at jwomack@wrdenviron mental.com or visit the "Geneva NRC" on Facebook.