“A crossroads between the community.”
That is how Emmanuel Kearney, a volunteer, describes SEEDS (South Eastern Efforts Developing Sustainable Spaces).
SEEDS Executive Director Emily Egge begins the milestone update. Egge says she is excited about all the plans SEEDS has for the future. (Staff photo by Palak Patel)
On Sept. 24, SEEDS hosted its 12th annual Harvest Dinner, the largest fundraiser of the year. Among the attendees were notable members of the SEEDS community, such as Kearney.
The night began with a cocktail hour: food, refreshments, and light jazz band in the background, courtesy of The Shed, a local jazz club. During this time, guests of all ages were able to socialize and participate in a silent auction on behalf of various Durham-based organizations.
After dinner, Emily Egge, executive director of SEEDS, presented a milestone update— a reflection on SEEDS’ past and a look into its future. However, this year, Egge gave the stage to members of the community who have been personally involved and impacted by SEEDS.
MILESTONE UPDATE
“SEEDS is my redemption song,” said Kearney, the first member of the SEEDS community to speak at the Harvest Dinner. He describes the garden as a rich experience and a way for him to give back.
“SEEDS allows me to experience a sense of community, said Kearney. “I believe that is very vital— people need to know their neighbor.”
Justin Dilaree, owner of a community garden plot at SEEDS, credits the organization for introducing him to gardening and the relationship between people and plants.
“Every time I leave SEEDS, I feel happy,” said Dilaree. “I want to share that with others.”
Tasha McMillan, a senior at North Carolina Central University, has been involved with SEEDS for over 10 years now. Tasha is now the coordinator for the Durham Inner-city Gardeners (DIG) program. (Staff Photo by Palak Patel)
The milestone update also featured current and former members of two of SEEDS’ programs – the SEEDlings program for young elementary school children, and DIG (Durham Inner-city Gardeners), for older youth.
“I joined SEEDS as a SEEDling and moved up to the DIG program,” said Tasha McMillan, DIG coordinator. “I’ve been involved with SEEDS for about 10 years now.”
Next up was Lawrence Fields, a current member of the DIG crew.
“DIG has changed my life so much,” said Lawrence. “I do not have words to describe what this program means to me.”
While Lawrence reflected on SEEDS’ past, another DIG youth, Andresha McPhaul, wanted to remind SEEDS to “never stop growing” in the future.
Lastly, SEEDS Board President Wil Weldon took the stage to give some insight on the staggering changes the organization has made in the past few years.
“Four years ago, SEEDS had an annual budget of $350,000; now SEEDS has an annual budget of $550,000. Five years ago, SEEDS bought the land it currently thrives in, and a couple months ago, they completed their new building.”
Weldon finished his update with one request.
“Please continue to remember what SEEDS means to the community.”
SEEDS PAST AND PRESENT
According to Laurel Schulman, office and communications manager at SEEDS, the dinner hosted around 200 attendees and raised around $34,000 for the organization.
Over the past year, SEEDS has taken on more volunteer groups and programs than ever before, including their children’s summer camp, which has sold out all six weeks. The DIG program was awarded a grant by the State Farm Youth Advisory Board, an application that the youth completed themselves.
The dinner hosted The Shed, a local jazz club, to provide jazz music as guests enjoyed food and refreshments. (Staff Photo by Palak Patel)
As Egge reflected on the past year of SEEDS, she was excited to mention a new addition— SEEDS’ very own chicken castle. The castle is a large coop to house their chickens, as well as allow groups to come in and take care of the chickens.
Coming forward, Egge is excited for the addition of brand new community garden plots. These plots are a way for community members to plant their own produce and get the proper help and tools that they might not have at home.
The Harvest Dinner is not only the largest fundraiser for SEEDs, but it is exactly what SEEDS strives to accomplish. The community comes together to support, enjoy and reflect.