Inaugural Project Roots “Taste of the Garden” Fundraiser

Project Roots AZ, a local nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide access to nutritious food and a more sustainable way of living for urban neighborhoods, is hosting its first fundraiser, Sat., April 30, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Spaces of Opportunity garden, located at 1200 W. Vineyard Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85041. The culinary experience will feature esteemed Phoenix-area chefs from Local First Arizona and foods grown and harvested by Project Roots AZ volunteers. 

Project Roots, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization with two community gardens located in South Phoenix and Maricopa where locals can assist in planting, growing and harvesting foods to eat in their own homes. 

“Creating dishes for people that come directly from the community gardens at Spaces of Opportunities is a perfect way for stakeholders to see a value in what we are doing first-hand,” said Bridget Pettis, Project Roots AZ co-founder and former WNBA Phoenix Mercury player and Chicago Sky coach. 

“Most people in the Valley don’t have the luxury of experiencing food that comes directly from garden to table, that’s something we are excited to share during this fundraiser,” Pettis added. “The chefs we are working with are amazingly creative. The dishes they’ve crafted showcase the fruits of our labor perfectly.” 

Pettis started the Project Roots AZ charity organization in 2019 with the goal of offering access to nutritious food and promoting a healthier, more sustainable way of living for urban neighborhoods. She draws from her Midwest gardening knowledge to educate and feed Arizona’s underserved population through local community gardens and mobile kitchen service. 

For nearly two years, Project Roots AZ volunteers have grown fresh fruits and vegetables in its two community garden locations. Produce harvested by volunteers is then donated to local food banks and sold at farmer’s markets and through seasonal produce box delivery services. Proceeds made from the sale of these products are then reinvested in Project Roots AZ to help more recipients. 

Monies raised during the Taste of the Garden event will help support programs offered through Project Roots AZ including kids/adult gardening classes and cooking demonstrations to help educate the community about how to grow and prepare their own food.  

You can reserve your tickets at: www.projectrootsaz.org/events

$100 per person