Dear Neighbors,

 

OLI Gardens is a 501c3 organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity in our communities and to honoring fallen heroes. We invite you to play a role with our team as a financial supporter and as an advocate of our mission.

 

Founded in 2015, OLI Gardens’ mission is twofold: first, to provide healthy, nutritious food not found in local food deserts in our communities. Second, we endeavor to create awareness of local Service Members’ and First Responders' lives and honor some who paid the ultimate sacrifice by dedicating each garden bed to a fallen hero. Our Gold Star Garden beds are a living legacy to local fallen heroes and their families, providing needed nutritious food to local communities in their memory.

 

Since our inception, we have delivered tons of food to local food pantries. During the summer of 2024, we grew and distributed 5,000 pounds of food to local pantries, including Warren Sharpe Community Center, Loaves and Fishes, Marie Wilkinson, and some schools. The work of growing food and distribution teams are done via at least 50 volunteers across 5 locations.

 

The financial resources we’ve gathered to date have allowed us to expand our infrastructure to grow more food and create events where we’ve recognized Fallen Service Members and First Responders and their families. In 2024 we held a ceremony in our gardens at Warren Sharpe in which we recognized fallen heroes from Joliet and Will County. We also held a ceremony at Naper Settlement at which we recognized fallen heroes from DuPage County. Both ceremonies included participation of Gold Star families, military, police and firefighter leadership, and elected officials.

 

In 2025, we will focus on two events. A gala to be held March 7 at Cantigny and a golf outing to be held in June 2025 at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton.

 

We believe that every community and every person should have access to healthy food. We believe in demonstrating respect for our Fallen Service Member neighbors and their families. I look forward to hearing from you and building a new partnership.

 

Please click on the link to purchase tickets to the Honor the Sacrifice Gala and to see sponsorship opportunities for the Gala and the Golf event. A website for the Golf Outing will be available soon.

 

Respectfully,

 

Chris Hotchkin, Chair of OLI Gardens and Gold Star Mother

Fred Greenwood, OLI Gardens Executive Director and Founder