20th annual Downers Grove Garden Walk to support homeless families

The 20th annual Downers Grove Garden Walk will be held on Saturday, July 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The garden walk provides an opportunity to view some of the most beautiful gardens in the area. It is a fundraiser that supports the work of Downers Grove First United Methodist Church Bridge Board in providing transitional housing and mentoring for previously homeless families.

The Bridge Board is a program partner with Bridge Communities, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Bridge Communities’ focus is to transform the lives of homeless DuPage County families by guiding them to a better future. This is accomplished by providing housing, mentoring, direction, hope, encouragement, and a stable environment in which families can become self-sufficient and sustain their independence.

The cost to support each family is around $15,000 annually, and each family is mentored for two years. The garden walk is the main fundraiser for these efforts, and 100% of the proceeds go to supporting the families.

Tickets for the 2026 Garden Walk are $20 in advance. Tickets will be available in mid-June at the following locations:

• Anderson’s Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove

• Community Bank of Downers Grove, 1111 Warren Ave.

• Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, 528 N. Cass Ave., Westmont

• The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Road, Naperville

• Online (electronic tickets) at dgfumc.org/give.

Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the garden walk for $25 at any of the gardens or in the church parking lot from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The event is held rain or shine.

If you are unable to attend and/or wish to contribute to this worthy cause, you can make a donation at dgfumc.org/give.

We appreciate your support and know you will enjoy the time spent outdoors in the lovely gardens.