Sowmya's GTT Fundraiser

I've had the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors for Garden To Table for 2 years now. GTT means so much to me because exposing young learners to education in gardens is of paramount importance as it offers a hands-on, experiential approach to learning that fosters a deeper understanding of science, ecology, and nutrition. It helps children develop a strong connection to the natural world, instills a sense of responsibility towards the environment, and promotes healthier eating habits. Further support for garden-based education enriches young learners both academically and as well-rounded individuals. Your support can help us make a real difference in their lives.

Garden to Table provides school garden management, standards-based curriculum, professional development opportunities, and community support to engage all students in experiential, garden-based learning. We support school communities through prepping, planting, harvesting, and winterizing gardens so that students can take home healthy, organic produce from the gardens throughout the growing season. We also donate excess produce to local food banks.

Like last year, we have a staff and board challenge to inspire the most donations to Garden to Table through Colorado Gives Day. The total number of donors is all that counts - so please, give whatever you can. Every dollar raised goes to getting more kids in a garden in Boulder County! 

By giving through Colorado Gives between November 1 - December 10th, your gift is eligible to be leveraged to raise even more money for GTT through the Colorado Gives Day incentive fund. Think a gift match - but just a little different. Colorado Gives Day has a pool of money that they divide amongst the organizations who fundraise, based on how much they fundraise through this platform. It's a great way to fundraise even more for garden curriculum at our elementary schools!

In 2023/2024, we accomplished many of our goals including: 

• Updating our curriculum to meet new academic standards/encourage more student garden visits - we now provide 3 ready-to-teach lessons that align with BVSD academic requirements for grades Pre-K through 5.
• Hiring two(!) garden educators to teach at all of our Title I schools
• Maintaining 16 thriving school gardens that led to a 53% increase in student garden visits over the last year

We also are grateful to have a lot of positive testimonials about our program: 

"This program helped me get a better understanding of how food grows" -5th grade student

"My family loved the veggies I took home after our lesson" -5th grade student 

"I can't wait to eat the salad! I'm going to try to get my family to plant our own garden. I should become a vegetarian." -3rd grade student

"The garden is a wonderful way to make so many curricular connections for kids. We use it to teach ecology, math, health, and economics." -3rd grade teacher

"My students this year have never been so engaged, excited, and ALIVE as when they're in the garden - thank you!" -Kindergarten teacher

"Nothing can replace the garden lessons to support science standards in such an authentic way. Thank you for everything. GTT is so appreciated!" -1st grade teacher

"Amazing! So grateful for the lessons, organization and teaching. You guys made this such a breeze and the kids loved it!" - 2nd grade teacher

Thank you for donating! Outdoor education, health and nutritional learning, and a connection to nature are important for all children - your donation to Garden to Table makes these experiences a reality throughout Boulder County!