‘Grow and Share’ Raises Money for the Hungry
Mikey,The Molar, represented Smiles of The Carolinas while showing visitors how to keep clean and healthy teeth. Photo by Susan Tullock
By Anita B. Stone
For the second year, the Grow and Share Festival was held at Main Street Park in Rolesville with the intention of raising money for the hungry in our area. The non-profit organization headed up by Kay Whatley has become a nationally known fund-raising group.
“With the proceeds from our events we put it all back into the group to purchase seeds and other accessories to be grown in the greenhouse,” Whatley says. “Once we get the seedlings growing, we hand them out to hundreds of families so they, in turn, can produce and harvest food. Many people grow the seedlings and, after harvesting the crop, donate the food to the churches, needy families and hungry children.”
This year’s event brought in several thousand dollars. Many local vendors took part in the festivities. Earthfare, Zebulon Chamber of Commerce, New Bethel Church, Smiles of the Carolinas, Handcrafted Jewelry Etc. and Wake County Master Gardeners were on-hand to meet and greet visitors. Carolina Worm Castings offered free soil to visitors, and there were educators on hand to tell folks about farming.
Several bands played, including Sunmile from Greensboro. Jo Gore and The Alternative entertained with blues music. Linda Burrell, owner of Sunflower Studios and Gallery in Wake Forest, promoted the Mister Felix Band.
A silent auction put a myriad of restaurant coupons, luxury golf coupons and Mudcats game tickets into the hands of lucky bidders. David Bell, Mudcats manager, was present to sign autographs.
“Rolesville always comes through for us,” Whatley says. “It was a good turnout, and we were able to collect funds to promote our mission.”
For further information about the Grow and Share organization, phone 919-269-5414.
