Dear Friends,
10 years ago, the idea to transform a fallow piece of land into a functional farm was conceived. As 2018 draws to a close, and as we celebrate this milestone, we have much to give thanks for.
Our cadre of dedicated volunteers who, year after year, donate hundreds of hours to ensure that our grounds stay extremely well-tended, serving as field trip guides, farm experts and stepping in wherever needed. They ensure that the students experience a wholesome field trip, that the teachers have an added resource available to assist while at the farm, and the Farm remains a jewel in Baltimore.
The farm staff, guided by our Farm Manager James Koval, who create programing, plan for maximizing the farm’s potential, plant, weed, fertilize, harvest and use the farm’s produce in ways that are ever increasing in their creativity and efficiency. Our growing family of farm animals live a very comfortable life thanks to these fine individuals. This year we were very pleased to have the Baltimore City School System introduce four Educator positions. The addition of these dedicated folks who hit the ground running will make 2019 a pivotal year for the farm as they take on the role of working directly with individual schools and ensuring that the bounty of the farm and the services provided can be made available to more school students than was previously possible.
Our Executive Director, Jessie Lehson, who passionately pursued our goals and strengthened an already strong relationship between Friends of Great Kids Farm and the School System. It was with great sadness that we bid her farewell this month as she goes on to pursue a very exciting opportunity in the education world.
Our innumerable supporters. Those who funded grants to support the operations of the farm and educational programming. Those who donated hours during corporate Days of Service that resulted in the completion of critical projects. Those who made donations knowing that even just a few dollars go a long way in an organization like ours.
To all the people who contributed, in one way or another, we express our deepest gratitude for your continued support of our efforts to contribute to the health, wellbeing, and academic success of students served through the Baltimore City Public Schools.
The gift of your continued support is extremely important because it enables us to direct much-needed resources to educate and support the students we serve. Eighty-five percent of Baltimore City Public School students are low-income, and the funding Friends raises makes a meaningful visit to the Farm a reality for students.
What does your support allow is to do?
- Your gift of $30 will sponsor one student to visit the farm.
- Your gift of $100 will sponsor a classroom tasting workshop, enabling students to try their hand at a cooking and tasting experience such as cheese making or pizza making.
- Your gift of $400 will sponsor a classroom of students to visit the farm.
All the farm personnel and Board of Directors joins me in thanking you for your generous partnership and support.
Sincerely,
Chichi Nyagah-Nash
Board President