Growing Together: Fund the Farm Provides Fresh Food and Community Education

Charity Blooms is once again partnering with Gerald Subaru of North Aurora to foster a healthier community by providing fresh, locally grown produce for those in need.

Fund the Farm, a virtual fundraiser sponsored by Gerald Subaru North Aurora, is running throughout the month of February to raise money for much-needed improvements to Charity Blooms’ urban farm. The funds will be used to expand educational programs for children, enhance infrastructure, and upgrade the farm’s electrical system to increase efficiency and sustainability.

Based in Aurora, Charity Blooms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community garden management company that works with hundreds of volunteers each year to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables for the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry. Today the organization grows between 4,000 to 5,000 pounds of vegetables each year without the use of chemicals.

“Fund the Farm will allow us to provide more free education to the public,” said Eva Kiss, Vice President of Charity Blooms. “Every year we have free cooking classes for the community to come and learn how to use fresh herbs and vegetables in their dishes at home. “Our classes help reduce food insecurity in the community through education on the use of farm fresh ingredients.”

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora has played a pivotal role in the success of the fundraiser by promoting awareness and encouraging community involvement. In addition to their sponsorship, members of the Gerald Auto Group have volunteered at the farm, recognizing the importance of hands-on support.

“We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and assistance from Gerald Subaru North Aurora,” Kiss said. “Their involvement has been instrumental in getting this fundraiser off the ground.”

This year, donors will have an added incentive to contribute. The first 10 people who donate $100 or more will receive two tickets to a special Thank You brunch on May 18 at the farm, featuring seasonal dishes using fresh, farm-grown ingredients.

Some of the funds raised will go toward upgrading the farm’s electrical service, which would allow for more efficient watering and heating systems.

“We’ve been off the grid for seven years and do not have pressurized water,” Kiss said. “With a small vegetable garden, carrying a bucket of water is relatively easy. With the expanded urban farm, it becomes a real chore. Even raised tanks with hoses take a long time to water the entire farm. Electricity would allow us to have a motorized pump for the water and would enable us to run heaters on very cold days to expand our growing season.”

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora is proud to support this initiative and its positive impact on the local community.

“Access to fresh produce is essential for everyone,” said Donna Lawler of the Gerald Auto Group. “We are honored to partner with Charity Blooms through Fund the Farm and to help them expand their reach and resources.”

To donate to Fund the Farm, visit gofund.me/af4d9cb0.

To learn more about Charity Blooms and its mission or to volunteer, visit www.charityblooms.org.

To learn more about Gerald Subaru of North of Aurora visit www.geraldsubarunorthaurora.com.