Swing into Spring--Peterson Garden Project Fundraiser

SWING INTO SPRING AT A FUNDRAISER FOR THE PETERSON GARDEN PROJECT

Support Chicago Victory Gardening at a Retro-Themed Big-Band-Bash!

Chicago, IL, May 2, 2011 – Calling all Hep Cats and Urban Gardeners! A retro-themed fundraiser from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26 will benefit The Peterson Garden Project, an award-winning organic community garden that aims to revive Chicago’s vibrant Victory Garden culture. The benefit will be at local gem Architectural Artifacts in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood at 4325 North Ravenswood, amidst a warehouse of historic architectural treasures. The evening’s festivities will be hosted by radio host Mike Nowak, and Diane Ott Wheatley, founder of Seed Savers Exchange, is Guest of Honor. The retro fun includes live music from Joel Patterson & the Modern Sounds, swing dance performances by Cartier Collective, and swing dance lessons from JiveRoc. Tickets range from $35 to $75 and can be purchased at http://petersongarden.eventbrite.com/.

“In the 1940s, Victory Gardens sparked the imagination of our city and our country,” explains Peterson Garden Project founder LaManda Joy. “We’re bringing Victory Garden culture into contemporary life by teaching Chicagoans how to grow their own food, and building community around the experience. This event will celebrate that—and we’re looking forward to making an announcement about the next big way that The Peterson Garden Project will impact gardening in Chicago.”
Located on the southwest corner of Peterson and Campbell in Chicago’s 40th Ward, The Peterson Garden Project contains 157 raised-bed gardens, and is Chicago’s largest community garden devoted to growing edibles. This fundraiser will support The Peterson Garden Project’s efforts to recruit, educate and inspire a new generation of gardeners who want to learn to grow their food, make urban gardening the norm—not the exception, and be a part of a thriving community organization devoted to fresh food, fun and a greener city.

“The Peterson Garden Project inspires neighbors to grow their own food, build a healthy community, and contribute to a greener Chicago. I’m delighted that citizens of the 40th Ward are taking the lead in reviving Chicago’s legacy of Victory Gardens,” says Patrick O’Connor, Alderman of Chicago’s 40th Ward, where the garden is located.

In addition to an evening of dancing and music, attendees will sample foods from party sponsors Whole Foods, City Provisions, and chefs of The Peterson Garden Project. Koval Distillery, Chicago’s first boutique distillery, will sponsor a tasting of organic liqueur, and Vinejoy will offer an assortment of fine wines. Beer from Belgian Experts’ Vanberg & DeWulf and local brewery Half Acre will round out the evening’s culinary delights. A sweepstakes for partygoers will feature prizes up to $500 from Youswoop.com!

Ticket Information
$35 Ticket includes admission and food (cash bar available).
$75 Ticket includes admission, food and five drink tickets (a $90 value).
Purchase tickets at: http://petersongarden.eventbrite.com/

About the Peterson Garden Project
The Peterson Garden Project is an organic, community vegetable garden on the southwest corner of Peterson and Campbell in Chicago’s 40th Ward. Supported by Alderman Patrick O’Connor, and made possible by Asian Human Services’ donating use of the land, Chicago neighbors are once again able to garden on this historic strip of Peterson Avenue. The site was part of an original WW2 Victory Garden from 1942-1945, and was re-launched for Chicago residents who want to work with their neighbors to grow their own food. The project was founded by LaManda Joy, an award-winning gardener who blogs about urban gardening at www.theyarden.com. Join The Peterson Garden Project for an adventure in community gardening – retro style! To learn more about the project, visit www.petersongarden.org

Media Contact
Leah Ray
312.498.2591
Leahray11@gmail.com
www.petersongarden.org
www.twitter.com/petersongarden