The View from the Other Side

By Sue Sturgeon, CGC Board President

So this is what it’s like on the other side!

Having confidently turned over the reins of the 2023 Plant Sale to the incomparable Jane Geiger (renowned Green Flea empresaria), I now have a fresh perspective on all things “Plant Sale” related. I’m not exactly sitting back and letting things go, but rather turning over all the details to new eyes and energy and focusing my own on the financial needs and benefits of this event—counting money, surely, but also saying prayers of thanks for all who are supporting the Civic Garden Center through this event. 

As you probably know, THE Plant Sale is the CGC’s largest fundraising undertaking each year…now for more than 60 years, in fact. The proceeds for THE Sale go directly to support all areas of the mission: youth education, urban agriculture and community gardens, ecology and sustainability education, horticulture education and restoration programs.  It’s a significant part of the CGC’s financial lifeblood to continue, expand and transform the mission to meet the needs of our world both now and in the future.

Over and above this fundamental benefit, THE Plant Sale has also been a vital touch point and networking opportunity for many, many people like you (I hope!) and, certainly, for me. This is the ‘building community’ part of the CGC’s mission in action and in fact. THE Plant Sale is often the first encounter someone has with the CGC and can result in lifetime connections with the programs and people here. I can testify to that! So many have become longtime donors as well, which is a blessing for a nonprofit organization like ours. I think it’s this personal connection with CGC people and programs that will carry this organization many years into the future.

Thank you to all our Plant Sale customers this year. You are friends of the Civic Garden Center in more ways than one!