URGENT REQUEST: Granny’s Garden School may close without donations

by Carole Cobb

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Granny’s Garden School is a non-profit organization at the Loveland school grounds on Loveland Maderia Road. They need our financial help to maintain the gardens and the teaching program. If the gardens have to shut down, they would start the conversion back to grass after spring break. Also, 27 Eagle Scout’s projects will need to be removed.

The decision to begin shutting down their programs will be made after Spring Break.

April 3. Yes, that is next week for a decision! I just heard about it. They need donations now. One reason for the financial difficulty is the reliance on a few donors and a major donor adding a stipulation of NEW donors then they will match the contribution. 

I am sharing this with you because I know you have an interest in our community. Many of your children likely have benefitted from this program now in its 14th year in the Loveland schools. I have cared for a plot in the summer and enjoyed fresh lettuce and vegetables and beautiful bouquets.

Hopefully, you will say “how can I help?”  Please make a donation on-line:  

     https://fundly.com/granny-s-garden-school-1#supporters/donors 

Or, you can send a check to:

Granny’s Garden School

20 Miamiview Drive

Loveland, Ohio 45140-2720

Become a new donor and your contribution will be matched.

Please share this with your friends and neighbors. Let’s keep the program growing and keep the grass and weeds out of the garden area.

Thank you for your consideration.

Carole Cobb

More info about the possible closing of the Granny’s Garden School

Nearly 2,000 students planted their spring gardens last week as part of their participation in Granny’s Garden School!

Granny’s is asking for your support to ensure the program is still there when it is time for the spring harvest in May.

A variety of circumstances beyond its control put the organization in a temporary financial crisis.  A local foundation has offered to match your donation!  You can donate on-line, or send a check to Granny’s Garden School, 20 Miamiview Drive, 45140.  All donations are tax deductible.  All donors will be invited to pick a spring floral bouquet from Granny’s extensive flower gardens May 7th, the day before Mother’s Day.

Granny’s is also recruiting board candidates and applicants to join a task force to help strengthen the organization financially.  Toward that end, It is seeking professionals with expertise in social media, marketing, website development, fund development and strategic planning.

Note: Granny will be presenting her story to the local Sierra Club on Monday, April 4th from 7-9 p.m. in Evendale. Click here for details. Be there to support Granny’s programs! There is no charge to attend.

Granny’s Garden School was founded in 2002 by a grandmother with a vision to create teaching gardens at Loveland Primary School where her grandchildren were in the first and second grades.  The program took off and today is one of the largest and most comprehensive programs of its kind in the country.  The program is in four schools, three in Loveland and one (Stewart Elementary) in the Princeton School District.

Along the way, it was also the inspiration for a number of garden programs in this area, including The Rothenberg Roof Gardens in Over the Rhine and others throughout the region and across the country. 

Contact: Roberta Paolo (aka “Granny) Founder & Executive Director

513-324-2873

[email protected]