our friend Wanda Larosiliere wrote the following testimony about WE Gardens when she helped nominate us for a grant recently. we wanted to share with you what she wrote and also, remind you to consider supporting WE Gardens at our upcoming Fundraiser Banquet on March 17.



17 Minutes. That’s how long it takes to go from my home to the garden, to arrive at an oasis of lush garden plots, near market stalls and the unmistakable mark of industrious hands. Empty lots now produce fresh opportunities for the gathering of people the growing of food.

Beyond the piles of organic compost and the mounds of freshly bedded seeds, WE Community Gardens is planting a vision to transform the world view of an entire community.  The vehicle for this transformation is food.  Children are at the root of this transformative project. 

One of the best observations on the success of this vital mission comes from Reverand RG Lyons.  He is the lead pastor of the Church without Walls. Here’s what he wrote:

“WE Community Gardens, our joint initiative along with Urban Ministry, is one of our most transformative ministries. Through the growing of food, we believe that we are not only able to provide greater access to healthy, fresh produce, but that we can transform the entire community. 

"At WE Gardens we bring people together; we provide classes to teach people how to prepare good food on a budget; we’ve helped our local elementary school start its own garden; and we provide employment opportunities and leadership development for our youth.  During 2011, we greatly expanded our garden program as we acquired two more lots and began our youth intern program.  This year, we will hire more interns so that other young people will develop the skills they need not only to grow food but to become leaders in their community.

"All of this is possible because of our many great partners and supporters. One of our strongest partners is Chef Chris Dupont and the folks at Café Dupont.  Chef Dupont regularly uses herbs and produce that he purchases from WE Gardens in his restaurants, and, for the third consecutive year, he is hosting a fundraising banquet for WE Gardens.  Last year, Chef Dupont was a semi- finalist for the James Beard Awards for the best chef in the South region. So come on out to support WE Gardens on March 17!  Not only can you support a great ministry, but you will also get a chance to eat some of the best food in the country.”

What: WE Gardens Fundraiser Banquet 

When: Saturday, March 17, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Cafe Dupont, 113 20th Street North

Who should come:  Everyone who loves great food and who wants to join us in addressing hunger, food insecurity, health and wellness in the West End Community.

Tickets: $125/person. $100 is a tax-deductible donation. Please call Robyn at 781-0517, mail your check to Urban Ministry at 1229 Cotton Ave SW, Birmingham, 35211, or buy tickets online to reserve your spot today. 

Thanks, Wanda and R.G. for your testimony. and thank you to all those who continue to support and sustain WE Gardens, including fundraiser sponsors Café Dupont and Whole Foods Birmingham!

to eat. to live. to work. to play. to laugh. to love. to give.