💚 This fundraising campaign will run from May 23 (the first day of Summer Vacation and my birthday) until June 20 (the first official day of Summer and my Nanny's 100th birthday)

💛 We hope you will be inspired to create a #FundraisingTeam and share this with your friends, family and network to help us keep our boots on the ground, hands in the dirt and making new #FriendsInTheGarden !!! Choose the "Fundraise" option and give your team a fun name and share share share !!! 

❤️ Please see the Press Release below to get the latest updates of happenings with the Ministry. You will learn about the $5000 Golden Grant we have been awarded and which is now becoming a #GrowFoodNotLawns initiative and movement! 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Watermelon Wellness Bar to kickoff Bryan County’s Summer Break

Richmond Hill, GA - Friends In The Garden Wellness Ministry is excited to announce the reveal of the Watermelon Wellness Bar, “The JuiceBox”. The reveal will be held on first day of Summer Break Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 4:00pm located at the Friendship Garden at 725 Laurel Hill Circle, Richmond Hill, GA 31324. 

Founder Julie Lohr’s mission of Friends In The Garden is to grow fresh, healthy produce together as a Community while promoting Environmental Sustainability and providing Affordable WellCare for all. We believe that by working together, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone. 

In November 2023, McDonald’s awarded a $5000 Golden Grant for Watermelon Hill and Wellness Bar. The project brings children together to plant Watermelon Hills throughout the community while learning and implementing sustainable practices. During the 100 days of watermelon growth, the gardens will have tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans and other garden goodness to enjoy. After harvest, a watermelon juice celebration will be had at the JuiceBox. 

After months of unsuccessful searching for land to execute the grant, Lohr used the only space she had available - her own front yard in the Mainstreet subdivision. The garden is thriving thanks to composted yard waste from neighbors, kitchen scraps from local restaurants and the hard work of over 30 children in the community. Unfortunately, the Mainstreet HOA has demanded the removal of the garden and has issued the first round of fines. 

Over 20% of the youth in Bryan County is on the free or reduced lunch program and the summer months are extremely challenging for these households. Ironically, the Mainstreet subdivision will be hosting the Bryan County Summer Lunch Program and children will be passing by the current garden location all summer. 

“Imagine if we could plant gardens throughout the community, grow food together and feed these families! We could be offering fresh food from the vine, making new friends and creating a stronger, healthier community. With 614 houses in Mainstreet alone, imagine the Green Communities Initiative that could be started and branch into other neighborhoods!” 

Please support this mission with your generous donations !!! You can start your own fundraising team and share with your friends, family and network! Give your team and fun and inspiring name, set an amount that you would like to raise and start sharing!