Title
June 1, 2015 Proclamation Honoring the Ann Arbor Branch of the Women's National Farm & Garden Association
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
Honoring the Ann Arbor Branch of
The Woman's National Farm & Garden Association
Whereas, the Ann Arbor Branch, Woman's National Farm & Garden Association, founded by Mildred Matthaei in 1946, began its tradition of philanthropy that same year, and has continued its work through today, providing philanthropic grants and student scholarships totaling more than $500,000; and
Whereas, the Ann Arbor Branch, the oldest philanthropic garden club in the area, has supported a wide variety of local, state and national projects in horticulture, agriculture, and the environment, including Project Grow, Edible Avalon, Michigan 4-H, U-M Biological Station, U-M School of Natural Resources, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, Agrarian Adventure, the Ann Arbor Public Library, Growing Hope, Glacier Hills Retirement Community, Leslie Science and Nature Center, the Historical Museum on Main Street, the Project Non-Violence Safe House, among many others; and
Whereas, the Ann Arbor Branch's Horticultural Therapy program at Mott Children's Hospital, which provides flower-arranging activities for patients and their families, has been recognized as the oldest volunteer group, "The Flower Ladies," at Mott Children's Hospital; and
Whereas, the annual Ann Arbor Garden Walk, founded in 1991 and held the second Saturday each June, is the oldest and largest in this area, with attendance of more than 1,000, has showcased private and public gardens and in so doing has raised funds for local school, community, and therapeutic gardens, environmental beautification and restoration projects, and student internships and scholarships; and
Whereas, the Ann Arbor Branch's Annual Garden Walk will mark its 25th anniversary in 2015 with a two-day "Silver Jubilee" event, featuring the best gardens from the past 24 previous Garden Walks, and will again raise and distribute event proceeds to non-profit organizations and projects that benefit the entire community.
Now Therefore, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor, do hereby declare Saturday, June 13, 2015, Ann Arbor Branch, Woman's National Farm & Garden Association Day in Ann Arbor. We recognize the organization's more than 68 years of philanthropic contributions, community involvement, and dedication to raising awareness of and promoting education in horticulture and the environment.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 1st day of June, 2015
_________________________Christopher Taylor, Mayor