Enjoy 'Wine, Cheese and Trees' March 21 in Geneva

The Natural Resources Committee of Geneva, in conjunction with Western Avenue Elementary School's Get Up and Grow Committee, are hosting the fourth annual "Wine, Cheese, and Trees."

The fundraiser will be 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Six wines will be served and will be paired with cheese and appetizers from local merchants. There will be live music, a "wine wall," live auction items and numerous silent auction items to bid on. The live auction will feature a seven-night stay in Hawaii, a sports package of Chicago Bulls and Chicago Cubs tickets, an Instant Wine Cellar, a professional photography sitting, and other great items.

The Natural Resources Committee will use their proceeds toward an initiative called "Greening Geneva - A Reforestation Program for Our City Parkways." The reason for the initiative is that 2,800 ash trees in Geneva's parkways will be removed over the next few years due to a devastating infestation called emerald ash borer. The committee has pledged to help rebuild the urban canopy of the city, this fundraiser is a first step toward that reforestation program.

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 the spring of 2011 to enhance existing curriculum through hands on learning, while reinforcing family and community connections. Today it 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.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased through Western Avenue School's website, tinyurl.com/GenevaWCT2014, or by contacting Jay Womack at jwomack@wrdenvironmental.com. You may also contact Jay for more information on the event. No city funds have been used to purchase alcohol for this event.