Press Release

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April 23, 2003

A group of generous people will be formally thanked for some unique donations they made to an East Bay project that serves youth.

Contra Costa Health Services' Community Wellness & Prevention Program is sponsoring a reception to recognize persons who have provided donations for the East-West Market Garden Project in conjunction with Delta Vista High School's annual job fair. The event will be taking place at the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility, 4491 Bixler Road in Byron, on May 1. The job fair will run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The reception will begin at 11:15 a.m. Guest speakers will be Cathrine Sneed, founder and Executive Director of the Garden Project in San Francisco, Deborah Landwehr Engle, author of Grace from the Garden and Terry Leach, representative from Senator Tom Torlakson's office will be presenting certificates to the original collaborators of the project. Lunch will be catered by the youth, beginning at 11:30 a.m. (Persons attending must R.S.V.P. by April 24 by calling 925-427-8662.)

"We are very thankful for all the donations we received, every last one of them is appreciated. Our donors gave us seeds, trees, vegetables, money, gift certificates, a van, a tractor and staff time. All of this kept the project going," says Gwenn White, Outreach Coordinator for the Community Wellness & Prevention Program.

The East-West Market Garden Project founded in 2000, grows produce at the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility (also known as the Byron Boys Ranch) and the produce will be sold to communities who lack access to fresh foods.

"The benefits from the East-West Market Garden Project go beyond the youth. The project provides the youth with job skills and self-esteem and it also increases the communities access to fresh foods," says White.

White says mobile farm stands are anticipated to be up and running early summer in North Richmond and Parchester Village. The proceeds from the sales will go to a scholarship fund used by residents of the facility who eventually attend college.

Donors being recognized include, Contra Costa Community Development Department, the County's Community Wellness & Prevention Program, Probation Department, Delta High School, Community Alliance with Family Farmers, California Nutrition Network, The Lesher Foundation, Chris Calabrese, Rubicon Programs Inc., and the Discovery Bay Garden Club. For more information about the event or to make donations call Gwenn White at 925-313-6829. Information is also available online at cchealth.org.

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