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Gala guests can eat, drink, and take part in auctions and more later this September all in the name of Sunflower Hill, a Tri-Valley nonprofit that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a range of residential and vocational programs.
Set at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, the Enchanted Garden Gala fundraiser will include wine, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, games, raffles, and live and silent auctions.
“The gala is our biggest event of the year. It is critical to the mission of our organization and our continued ability to provide our programs and services free of charge,” said Jennifer Oxe, operations director at Sunflower Hill.
The Sunflower Hill Garden at Hagemann Ranch in Livermore opens up educational and vocational opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and volunteer days for community organizations and corporate groups. On a weekly basis, day programs and high school transition classes from the Tri-Valley also attend the garden.
Since 2014, the garden has also boosted food security in the area by providing organically grown and culturally relevant produce to local nonprofits, including Tri-Valley Haven, Shepherd’s Gate, Culinary Angels, Heritage Estates Senior Center, Open Heart Kitchen and Hope Hospice.
Just last year, the program harvested and donated over 3,800 pounds of produce, eggs and flowers to local nonprofits, according to Kristen Barker, educational garden manager at the organization. Over the course of 10 years, donations have racked up to over 50,000 pounds.
“Without Sunflower Hill and their garden produce, Tri-Valley Haven’s food pantry would be without produce at critical times,” said Christine Dillman, executive director of Tri-Valley Haven. “Their produce is vital. It allows families in great need to select healthy items grown locally.”
Programs at Sunflower Hill, including its residential communities for adults with special needs, depend on grants, donations and funds raised from the gala, Oxe said in a statement.
The community can support Sunflower Hill on Sept. 21, from 6-10 p.m. at the museum at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir. in Danville. For gala tickets and more information, visit sunflowerhill.org.
