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Events Presented by OLI Gardens and Illinois Farm to School Network
OLI Gardens — a non-profit based in Naperville, Illinois — is holding a gala this Friday (March 7) in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton to help fund its unique approach to fighting food insecurity. Here's how the organization explains its mission:
OLI Gardens is dedicated to honoring the legacy of fallen patriots by fostering health and nutrition initiatives that benefit communities nationwide. Our mission is to promote sustainable agriculture, provide access to fresh, nutritious food, and educate individuals on the importance of healthy eating and environmental stewardship. Through community gardens, educational workshops, and outreach programs, we work to create a lasting impact on individuals, families, and veterans. By connecting people with nature and nutritious food, we strive to empower future generations and commemorate those who have served our nation.
Their winter gala takes place at the Cantigny Golf Course clubhouse from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Here are the details from OLI Gardens:
OLI Gardens is proud to announce its annual Winter Gala, a premier event celebrating the organization's successes, honoring its dedicated volunteers, and supporting its mission to remember fallen patriots while improving the health and nutrition of the nation. In 2024, OLI’s Raised Gardens produced 2.4 tons of food which was donated to area food pantries. OLI also works with groups like the Naper Settlement to build raised gardens to educate students on good nutrition, honor Gold Star families and fallen heros, and to contribute to the food pantries in Northern Illinois. In addition, OLI has Training Gardens at the Warren-Sharpe Community Center Joliet. It contains 30 Raised Garden Beds with each one dedicated to a fallen Military member or First Responder."
The 2025 Winter Gala will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the beautiful Cantigny Golf Clubhouse, located at 27W270 Mack Rd, Wheaton, IL.
This elegant evening will feature a cocktail hour, an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions, a gourmet dinner, a keynote speech from a distinguished guest, and live entertainment to close the night.
We are honored to welcome Commander Kevin Riley, U.S. Navy as our keynote speaker for the evening. Commander Riley serves as the Executive Officer of the NROTC Chicago Consortium and an Associate Professor of Naval Science. A highly decorated officer, Commander Riley’s leadership and expertise make him an exceptional speaker, and his insights will undoubtedly inspire all in attendance.
Click the button below to get more details and to buy tickets.
Registration is open for the Farm to School training and Meet the Buyer event in Rockford, Illinois, presented by the Illinois Farm to School Network and funded by Illinois Farm Bureau.
All institutional buyers (K-12, ECE, child boarding facilities, child feeding programs) and farmers, food hubs, and distributors are invited to attend this free event.
Schools, early care, child boarding facilities, and other child feeding sites join us and take a deep dive into IL Harvest of the Month and local procurement using available Local Food in Schools funding.
1:00-5:30 pm
This event will provide participants with a deeper knowledge of IL Harvest of the Month resources and provide insight to create connections to the community and learn about LFS funds to buy local foods. The event is divided into a three-hour in-depth class followed by a one-and-a- halfhour meet and greet. You can register for one or both activities.
Learn about Harvest of the Month and explore the creation of connections across your community- including those growing, creating new products, aggregating, and delivering local foods.
Learn to customize farm to school programming to suit your site and to the availability of existing local foods. Explore the creation of a Fifth Season plan to purchase and preserve the fall harvest from local growers, or from your commissary garden, for later use during the off-season.
Learn about local procurement and Local Food in Schools (LFS) funding, now extended through January of 2026.
4:00-5:30 pm
A Meet the Buyer event with Illinois K-12, early care, child feeding and boarding facilities. Introduce yourself, share pertinent information and learn about the buyers.
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