Rooted in Wyoming receives $100,000 match challenge and “reseeds” fundraiser

The fourth annual Farm to Table and Hoedown Fundraiser for Rooted in Wyoming has been “RE-SEEDED” for 2020, Bonnie Gregory, Board President said.  

The new event includes an online auction and live streamed concert hosted by Luminous Brewhouse on Oct. 3, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

According to a press release, since January of 2016, Rooted in Wyoming has contributed over 8,500 hours of volunteer work, established enduring partnerships, organized community efforts and has proudly facilitated bringing seven gardens into production.  

“This season, RiW has installed community farm walls and provided tools, seeds & educational opportunities to over 2,000 children in Sheridan County despite the obvious obstacles that schools have faced this year,” Rooted in Wyoming Executive Director Lise Foy said.  “This event is our only major fundraiser. We hope community members will consider being a sponsor, donor and/or bidder.  Funds raised will continue our effort to make certain that the wisdom of food production is passed down, ensuring that future generations will have the skills and tools to take care of themselves in the coming years.”

Due to donations from Pam and John Standish, sponsors and bidders have the opportunity to double the impact of contributions this year.  Donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000, according to the release. 

The online auction will begin Friday, Oct. 2, and conclude Oct. 3rd at 8 p.m. in conjunction with the live streamed concert, kicked off at 5 p.m. by Wes Urbaniak and followed by the Nate Champion Band. Bidder registration is available now at www.rootedinwyoming.org.  Bidders registered before Oct. 1, will be entered in a drawing for $50 in Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Bucks.

“While much of the world has shifted rapidly, the importance of community resilience, support for local food systems and the need for self-sufficiency has become more apparent than ever,” Gregory said.  “We greatly appreciate the continued support from our community as we continue to deliver tools, services and life skills to our community, despite what is happening in the rest of our world.”

After recently completing a strategic planning session, the board of directors has identified three strategic directions; building program resources for engagement, expanding and enhancing the leadership, and a proposed path to build a center for self-sufficiency.  

RiW partners with community organizations and schools to facilitate outreach programs and cultivate educational gardens.