Help Baton Roots GROW this GivingTuesday
I’m a day early! That’s because today is a special edition of the newsletter. Today, Tuesday, November 30, is 225 Gives day and we could use your help. First off, you’re probably wondering what 225 Gives day is all about. Let me explain…
It started out as a good idea by the folks at the 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact in New York City. Wow, that’s a mouthful! The good news is that GivingTuesday is now its own nonprofit organization, which is a much easier name to remember.
Every year we start spending tons of money on things and products because our consumer culture dictates that first we go to the grocery store, then we go to the merchant stores. We fill our bellies and drain our bank accounts. GivingTuesday asks you to spend more money, but rather than buying junk you’ll forget about before the dawn of the new year, you spend it on something that will help make the world a little better.
“GivingTuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe,” says the organization’s website.
The world is in no short supply of problems right now. In fact, it’s overwhelming. That’s a big reason why I left traditional media - it was just damn depressing to listen to the news every day. Instead, I’m trying to become part of and write about things that are inspiring real change in our community. That’s why I landed at the Walls Project.
The organization started with murals and has since evolved into many other programs. One of those is Baton Roots.
I LOVE THIS PROGRAM! If there’s anything I love more than art, it’s plants (don’t tell my bikes). Seriously, check out @downtowneastgarden on Instagram.
Many people do not know there’s a massive community farm out at Howell Park where there once was a useless golf course (sorry golfers, but there are just too many golf courses around here and they’re not great for the environment).
The farm is 4 acres smack dab in the middle of a food desert. They also have programs at local high schools teaching kids how to grow their own food. This is not only an important skill, it also teaches kids respect for the earth and our natural world.
But wait, there’s more!
The Baton Roots team has added garden beds at 8 different East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority complexes because although the farm is a wonderful resource for many, it’s only good to serve one portion of the community.
Getting to different areas of the community is what we’re hoping to accomplish this 225 Gives. We’re seeking to raise $25,000 to buy a truck and trailer to get our farming team mobile. Currently they are unable to move certain equipment that would make it possible to do larger projects.
All the money you donate is going DIRECTLY to this cause. I know this because I’m the person working with the guy who is helping us locate a truck and trailer for that price. Trust me, it is not easy because the car market is super low supply right now.
So there you have it, folks. That’s my pitch for today. If you want to donate, I have a fundraiser page and my goal is to raise $1,000 by the end of the day.
This Friday we’re headed out to the tree lighting ceremony downtown. We’re going to meet up at City Park at 5:30 and head down to the event by bike. This is a super short, fun ride. It might even be cold enough to wear that ugly sweater!