“We love to give away the money we earned through our fund-raising activities,” said club president Cathy Ford. “We work hard through the year to provide the community a one of a kind Gifts and Greens Market in early December, and a great day exploring private gardens during the Rochester Garden Walk in mid-June. With the success of those fund-raisers, we were able to distribute over $7000 to local charities this year.”
Van Hoosen 6th Grade Science Class with teacher Stacy Smiler and Rochester Garden Club member Sue Dobbelstein
Three Rochester Middle Schools received funds to bolster their science programs, Dinosaur Hill will be purchasing six new microscopes, and the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farms will use their donation toward new exhibits in their refurbished museum. Seven Ponds Nature Center will buy supplies to enhance their educational outreach, Oakland Township Parks and Recreation will purchase native plants for its new playground, and Neighborhood House will purchase a picnic table for its new serenity garden. Rochester Community House will be purchasing needed updates for its new look and Dutton Farms will have more money for special needs scholarships.
All the recipients were grateful to the Rochester Garden Club for their support, and the club members were thrilled to have a such a positive effect on the community. Of course, it couldn’t happen without the support of the people of the Rochester area, who regularly support the fund-raising events.
