Contact:
Diane Blazek, 630-963-0770
dblazek@aas-ngb.org
For Immediate Release
National Garden Bureau Closes in on First Goal
to Build Therapeutic Garden for Young Adults with Autism
DOWNERS GROVE, IL (September 2, 2014) – Just weeks ago, the National Garden Bureau
launched the first-of-its-kind “Growing for Futures” (#growingforfutures) philanthropic program
to build therapeutic gardens. Since then, generous online and offline cash donations have reached
over $7,200, with just another $2,800 needed to reach the first goal of $10,000. This ongoing,
annual, fundraising initiative is designed to further the mission of National Garden Bureau,
which is to raise awareness of gardening, the good it can bring into one’s life while increasing
the overall use of flowers and plants. Once the goal of $10,000 is reached, a check will be
presented to the Growing Solutions Farm so they can begin to build the remaining areas needed
to get the farm to full productivity.
The Growing Solutions Farm in Chicago is the first beneficiary of National Garden
Bureau’s (NGB) annual fundraising effort. This Farm is a vocational program of the Julie +
Michael Tracy Family Foundation/Urban Autism Solutions (JMTF), which serves, educates and
trains young adults with autism. As a vocational therapy garden, the Growing Solutions Farm
exists to cultivate horticulture careers and life skills while also growing vegetables, fruits and
herbs for partnering organizations.
So far, All-America Selections, Bruss Landscaping, Greenheart Farms, Proven Winners,
Sakata Ornamentals, Seeds by Design, and Terra Organics have provided major financial
donations to the program, along with countless individuals.
Because there is a high interest in therapeutic gardening, numerous high-profile stories
about the garden have appeared in major news outlets:
WBBM-CBS News Chicago, July 16, 2014, 5 and 10 p.m. news as well as July 17, 5:30 a.m
WGN-CW News, 3:35 minute spot on July 18, 2014, 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. shows
ABC 7 News, August 10 by Karen Meyers, a nationally syndicated journalist with a focus on
stories about people with disabilities.
WTTW TV aired their segment on Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Chicago Tribune did a story that ran on Sunday, August 31 (see attached article)
Mike Nowak Radio show, August 17 with guests Julie Tracy and Diane Blazek talking about
the fundraiser and the garden.
Ron Wilson Radio show, August 23 with guest Diane Blazek talking about the fundraiser and
the garden.
NGB’s long-term goal is to raise $50,000 in both cash and supplies to help support the
continued growth of this innovative garden project. Donations can be made via Indiegogo before
October 23, 2014 or by mailing contributions directly to National Garden Bureau at 1311
Butterfield Road, Suite 310, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
For more information about this project or the National Garden Bureau, visit:
www.ngb.org and follow #growingforfutures on Social Media.
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Interviews and high-resolution digital photos, like these, are available by calling the press contact on this
release or go to http://ngb.org/downloads/index.cfm and click on “Growing for Futures”. Please credit
photos as courtesy of the National Garden Bureau.
About the National Garden Bureau
The National Garden Bureau is a non-profit organization in the horticulture industry with main offices
in Downers Grove, Ill. Its mission is to raise awareness, provide education and increase the use of
flowers and plants among gardeners and non-gardeners. For more information: www.ngb.org
About the Julie + Michael Tracy Family Foundation/Urban Autism Solutions
The Julie + Michael Tracy Family Foundation is dedicated to addressing challenges facing young
adults with autism. With RUSH University Medical Center providing oversight, we have created a
supported passage to a fully integrated, urban community life. At the center of JMTF’s Urban Autism
Solutions is a residential living program with the goal of promoting socialization, psychiatric stability,
and a strong sense of community, while supporting adults in advancing their independence as well as
vocational and educational achievements. For more information: www.jmtf.org