Category: Philanthropy (page 2 of 2)

September 15, 2017

Produce to the People

Originally published in the Fall 2017 issue of Stock & Barrel

Despite the city’s standing as a culinary capital, Columbus still sadly has its share of food deserts — neighborhoods where fresh fruit is foreign and the shelf-life for groceries at the corner store is frightening.

Suburban farmers markets may offer premium-priced produce to conscientious consumers, but urban farmers markets have a different mandate. For many living inside 270 on the west and south sides, they are the only source for vegetables that don’t come in a can.

That’s what inspired Juliette Lonsert and Ruth Thurgood Mundy to found the Westgate Farmers Market last year — not just to serve their own neighborhood, but also the greater Hilltop. The alternating schedule of first and third Saturdays caused initial concern with more than a few prospective vendors. But now some of those same skeptics are fierce defenders of the strategy. It’s a practical interval to keep things literally and figuratively fresh, more so than an every weekend commitment for vendors and volunteers.

There isn’t just one recipe for starting a farmers market, but there are some common ingredients — generous community support and social media savvy are among the most essential.

“Our fundraising so far has been mostly selling t-shirts and yard signs, which we will continue to do because it’s also great promotion for the market,” explained Lonsert. “But we hope to hire a market manager, to handle the operation and volunteers as we continue to grow.”

This summer marked the first step in that expansion with a farm-to-table evening on the lawn of the Westgate Masonic Lodge where the farmers market is held.

“The idea for the farm-to-table dinner was more than just a fundraiser. It was a dining experience you don’t have anywhere near Westgate, and a community experience you don’t really have anywhere else in Columbus,” Lonsert noted.

The seasonal menu was created by Westgate resident and chef, Christopher Vehr. Ingredients were supplied by local vendors, then prepared and served family-style by Vehr and a team of volunteers from the community. Sitting under a canopy of leaves and stars sharing a harvest supper with early autumn in the air and grass under your feet, the connection between the field and the fork couldn’t be more apparent or intimate.

“When you go to a lot of markets, they don’t really have a culinary presence. I think there are a lot of chefs who prefer to use local, seasonal produce. But unfortunately, most restaurant chefs work late on Friday nights, so it’s harder for them to become involved,” Vehr explained. “Events like this create a synergy that’s unavailable even when you go into a restaurant — connecting farmers to the people they serve by showing folks the potential for produce available to everyone at the market.”

Like any nonprofit, annual events fund the ongoing service mission of the organization, covering overhead while helping to reach a wider audience. But even with earthy endeavors, the internet is still integral.

“We couldn’t serve our community without social media. It’s how we best reach our SNAP and low-income customers,” noted Thurgood Mundy. “We also have a great relationship with Local Matters. They come out and do cooking demos based on what’s in-season and available at the market. Knowing how to prepare foods is a large part of the nutrition gap facing many families.”

“Education is most powerful when combined with an access point. Our work with the Westgate Farmers Market is a family engagement, to get everyone onboard with fresh, healthy food grown locally,” said Adam Fazio, Director of Development with Local Matters. “The family context for food is a benefit that’s often overlooked.”

Franklinton is even farther away from traditional groceries. Despite being a major traffic corridor, there isn’t a single grocery store on Broad Street between downtown and almost the outerbelt.

That’s why the Franklinton Farm Stand is so crucial, and why their schedule is different than most farmers markets. Operating Thursdays and Fridays, as well as Saturdays, better serves the needs of the neighborhood where any other source for fresh produce is a drive or bus-ride away.

“A majority of our customers are walk-ups, and it’s a more convenient time to get their groceries, especially their healthy food options,” explained Josh Aumann, the farm stand’s produce distribution coordinator. The farm stand is the retail face of Franklinton Gardens, which has twelve plots scattered across three acres of land (mostly from gifts and grants) that a mix of local volunteers and AmeriCorps service members have turned into a robust, urban farm network.

Outreach is key in underserved areas, which is why home delivery is also an option, with about half of the participants in their CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture program, using EBT and SNAP to help their produce budgets go further.

“The Franklinton Mobile Market is an online storefront. We send out a weekly email to about a hundred households with a list of our produce ready for purchase. They reply, and we deliver it to their doors the next day. Our biggest challenge is getting our name out there,” Aumann said. “The people who live here see us farming. We need to let them know we’re growing this for them, it’s not going somewhere else. We want the people here in Franklinton to have access to the produce being grown in their backyards.”

Starting a farmers market is only slightly harder than keeping one going. That’s the backstory behind the new South Side Farmers Market.

“When members of the Merion Village Farmers Market asked us to take it over, we wanted it to be more inclusive of our neighbors, as we were already the middle point for the south side,” explained Allison Willford, president of the Merion Village Civic Association. “That’s why we changed the name — because it’s everyone’s farmers market.”

The standard schedule had likewise proven restrictive in attracting and maintaining vendors for the former Merion Village market. So the new market was quick to adjust that as well, with an afternoon and evening market anchored by Tatoheads Public House, an already popular neighborhood destination.

“We changed the day from Saturday, because it was harder to compete with some of the more established markets. Thursday nights, people are getting ready for the weekend,” Willford said. “They can come to the market and have a beer, get a bite to eat, and buy fresh produce to take home.”

The geographic reach of the South Side Farmers Market also opened the organization to a larger pool of volunteers. That’s how Ryan Hansen, now one of the organizers, originally became involved.

“A handful of us came together after responding to a food security survey,” he recalled, noting the diverse and collective nature of the new market. “Some of us had leadership experience, some of us just had time on our hands. But that’s what makes it work, not having one person doing everything. This is as grassroots as it gets.” ▩

Writer’s Postscript: If the soulful plant contemplation above seems familiar, that’s Blase Pinkert. We didn’t know each other at the time, but more than a year later, he reappeared in the 28-inch pizza challenge story Pies Wide Shut.

December 1, 2014

Free Sylvie

Originally published in the December 2014 issue of (614) Magazine

Typically it takes a team of attorneys or an airtight alibi to earn an early release.

Or sometimes, it just takes a t-shirt and a hashtag.

Sylvie Mix, a 16-year-old student at Columbus Alternative High School learned this the hard way. But what could have been a long and lonely wait until winter break became a life lesson in marketing, moxie, and making a difference.

This past September, Maika Carter, Sylvie’s mother, was recovering from recent surgery and staying with a friend. Meanwhile, Sylvie was spending the night at a classmate’s home.

Well, that’s what she told her mom — but that’s not what happened.

“It was just supposed to be a few girlfriends watching a movie,” explained Sylvie.

But when a parent-free pad and social media meet, small get-togethers quickly escalate in scale and scope. Someone had a bit too much beverage and ended up going to the ER. That’s when Carter first learned of the unsanctioned soirée — via a Facebook message from that teen’s mother in the early hours of the morning.

By the time Carter arrived home in her bathrobe and slippers, the party was all but over. By Monday morning, everyone at school knew what happened. Stern discussions followed, and Sylvie was grounded until winter break.

And that’s where the story could have ended — but that’s also not what happened.

“She’s a good kid with good grades — they all are,” admitted Carter. “But it was very disrespectful, and I was surprised by how easily she was swayed to act against her better judgment.”

In fact, Carter received several apology letters from students who were there. “I really like Sylvie’s friends,” she explained. “This was so out of character for them, especially considering my situation, and they knew it.”

But still feeling the punishment didn’t match the crime, Sylvie’s friends rallied for a retrial in the court of public opinion. Carter’s close connection to her daughter’s cohort made her an easy mark for Sylvie’s social media supporters.

“Her friends would message begging me to reconsider the length of the punishment,” explained Carter. “They’d post quotes from Johnny Cash and Tupac. It was very tongue-in-cheek, but still sincere.”

Sylvie quipped that she should start a hashtag to raise awareness of her wrongful incarceration; #freesylvie was born, and solidarity followed.

Rather than letting this battle of banter brew, Carter decided to let Sylvie earn her parole in a more positive way than simply staying cooped up for a couple of months. Inspired by her friends’ fervor, and with access to the screen-printing facilities at Abnormal Allies, she proposed that if Sylvie could design, print, and sell 50 t-shirts that would publicly acknowledge her remorse, they would amount to time served.

“The number of shirts was somewhat arbitrary. I wanted it to be attainable, but not easy,” Carter said. “We also had to decide what to do with the profits if there were any, and knew the Mid Ohio Food Bank could use some extra help this time of year.”

So Sylvie emblazoned the shirts with a stylized self-portrait wearing a halo and FREE SYLVIE. As part of the plea deal, she had to pay for the upfront costs herself. Selling the finished product for $10 a piece seemed reasonable enough. Promoting the cause through Facebook and Instagram, Sylvie schlepped the shirts to school.

“At first, it was mostly friends buying them,” Sylvie noted. “But by the end of the day, it was students I didn’t know and even a teacher or two.”

To her mother’s surprise, she sold 42 shirts on the first day, with more requests than remained in the initial run. Those profits were rolled into another run, and that’s when sales really took off.

“Online orders have come in from Athens, Pittsburgh, New York and Montreal,” Sylvie said. “Friends have told the story to their friends, posted photos wearing the shirts, and word just spread.”

Initial online orders were a hodgepodge of Facebook and Instagram requests. But Sylvie has since launched a formal online retail store to make things more manageable. “Keeping track of the orders was more stressful than either of us expected,” she confessed.

With her mother’s encouragement, and the support of friends and strangers, Sylvie delivered her first donation to the Mid Ohio Food Bank the week before Thanksgiving.

“As the communications and digital media manager, I first learned about the project through posts on Instagram,” said Yolanda Owens, of the Mid Ohio Food Bank. “I’m excited about the effort, and how it can continue to be an ongoing project.”

“One of the bigger initiatives for the Mid Ohio Food Bank is providing more fresh food. Not only are fresh foods healthier for the community, but also cheaper for us to acquire,” Owens said. “That’s why it’s critical to get cash donations as well, so we can make those dollars go further.” “It feels so much better than just having her just sit in her room; to take responsibility for her actions in a way that gives back,” added Carter.

Sales from Free Sylvie t-shirts have allowed the Mid Ohio Food Bank to provide nearly 3,000 meals to Central Ohio families in need — so far.

Sylvie, who is considering a career in graphic design, said she plans to keep printing shirts to meet demand. “At first, having to tell everyone what I did was embarrassing. But now I realize my mistake can inspire others to think about more than themselves.” ▩

If you’d like to buy your own Free Sylvie and support the Mid Ohio Food Bank, visit freesylvie.bigcartel.com

December 1, 2014

Give Different

Originally published in the December 2014 issue of (614) Magazine

Looking for a durable, digital gift that’s innovative, affordable, and won’t bend and break if you put it in your pocket?

How about a charity gift card from Community Shares of Mid Ohio or The Columbus Foundation?

Community Shares of Mid Ohio wants to make your hectic holiday shopping simple, yet significant. The grassroots federation of more than 60 local nonprofits soft-launched the gift card that gives back late last year. But this is the first full season for conscientious consumers to buy something that’s never the wrong size or style and always appreciated by causes that count.

Originally organized to give employees an easy opportunity to donate to small area nonprofits, Community Shares of Mid Ohio has evolved to offer member charities collective marketing, expert training, and ongoing advocacy. The “Give Card” is the latest addition to this mission.

“The inspiration for the Give Card really came out of a need to find additional ways for the community to contribute to our members beyond the workplace,” noted Community Relations Director Ryan Kovalaske.

“Community Shares is unique because it focuses on local nonprofits doing work in the community, and in some cases throughout the state,” explained Executive Director Teresa Trost. “These nonprofits reflect the diversity of Central Ohio, but are not typically available through other workplace giving programs.”

The Give Card offers recipients the choice to invest in causes that are meaningful to them—from arts education and animal welfare to building inclusive communities and promoting social justice.

“The purchaser does not have to know which charity the recipient prefers, like they would through a traditional ‘gift in your name’ as some nonprofits offer,” said Kovalaske. “Everything is handled online, but the purchaser has an option to print a certificate to give the recipient as an inclusion in a birthday or thank you card. The purchaser may just as easily email the certificate as a PDF to the recipient to keep things eco-friendly.”

As the Community Shares’ Give Card approached launch, The Columbus Foundation also announced its own charitable gift card.

The Columbus Foundation supports the local nonprofit community through grants from more than 2,000 charitable funds and supporting foundations, as well as creating opportunities for individual giving.

Though both cards seem similar, there are key differences—including the charities represented. Some charities are available through either program; most are exclusive to one or the other.

“Our Give Card is available in any denomination. We pushed for that because, just like pledging during our workplace giving campaigns, we didn’t want price to be a barrier for anyone looking to contribute,” Trost explained.

The Columbus Foundation’s charitable gift card is available at $20, $50 and $100, which may be allocated to any of several hundred local charities and affiliates featured in PowerPhilanthropy, the organization’s online marketplace. “PowerPhilanthropy is a database of more than 600 local charities that allows donors to compare ‘apples to apples,’” said Lisa Courtice, Executive Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management with The Columbus Foundation. “Individual charity websites don’t always have the same information, or provide the insight needed for many donors. PowerPhilanthropy helps donors choose.” Physical cards are available for in-person giving, or may be sent directly to the recipient. Last minute shoppers may also opt for an electronic gift card that can be purchased and emailed instantly.

“The Columbus Foundation’s charitable gift card can only be given to a single nonprofit,” Trost noted. “The amount placed on a Give Card from us can be divided among multiple nonprofits in our program. Again, we really wanted to honor that idea because we have offered it as an option through our workplace giving campaigns.” ▩

For more information on Community Shares of Mid Ohio and the Give Card program, visit communityshares.net and givecard.net. For information on The Columbus Foundation and their Charitable Gift Card, visit columbusfoundation.org and tcfgiftcardpurchase.org

November 1, 2014

Picture Perfect

Originally published in the November 2014 issue of (614) Magazine

The advent of camera phones has in many ways undermined the charm and formality of traditional family photos. But for those of lesser means, a family portrait isn’t just special — it’s sacred.

This was the stark realization that inspired celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart to create Help-Portrait six years ago. Since then, the simple gesture of offering a portrait to someone in need has grown into an international movement.

The first Saturday in December, in hundreds of cities in more than 60 countries, local photographers organize events to provide free individual and family portraits. Help-Portrait Columbus has been involved in the project since the beginning, offering more organized shooting locations than any other city in the world.

Most local photographers were initially drawn to the group through a mix of online interest and personal contacts. It’s a tightly-knit community in a town where everyone already seems to know everyone.

“I first found out about Help- Portrait from following Jeremy Cowart on Facebook,” said Amanda McKinley, who has been involved since 2008. Cowart and several colleagues organized a test event in Nashville that September, then posted a documentary short on YouTube to inspire fellow photographers. “After seeing videos of Jeremy sharing his own experiences, I knew right away this was something in which I wanted to take part.”

Unlike most cities, where only a single event is organized, Help-Portrait Columbus has offered more than a dozen different shooting locations that change slightly from year-to-year based on availability. Recognizing Central Ohio’s mass transit limitations, photographers create partnerships with community centers, clothes closets, food pantries, and homeless shelters that serve those in need.

Extending the original scope of Help-Portrait, Columbus photographers also provide portraits for families with children who have developmental challenges – families who often struggle not only financially, but also to find a photographer patient enough to coax a smile from a reluctant child.

Another unique shooting location is Rebecca’s Place, which offers temporary housing for women in crisis and transition.

“Rebecca’s Place is probably my favorite venue on Help-Portrait day because it is such a challenge,” McKinley said. “Over the years, we have refined how we accomplish our work in this small space.”

“Some are young mothers just trying to get their feet on the ground while looking for employment. Others have endured the depths of substance abuse and are on the mend. The short amount of time we spend with these women gives them all a chance to feel equal. We want them to feel important, we want to leave them feeling confident, and most of all, we want to see them smile.”

Typically, Help-Portrait cities offer a single portrait. Columbus organizers have always provided two, so no one has to choose between keeping or sharing them. Photographers also release their rights to the portraits so recipients can reprint as many copies as they’d like, wherever they’d like. It’s never been about taking pictures – it’s about giving them.

The innovative implementation of Help-Portrait Columbus has made it a model for other cities, attracting photographers from throughout Ohio and neighboring states.

“When I first learned of the event, there was no one in Cleveland or Akron involved,” said John Saraya, a photographer from Northeastern Ohio. “I looked around and found the group in Columbus. I return because I have made some great friends, and the group is extremely well organized. There’s a reason the locations keep asking us to come back.”

The event has also provided opportunities for experienced photographers to mentor those new to portrait photography.

“I’ve been able to teach and offer suggestions to those behind the camera, as well as interact with those in front of it,” Saraya said. “I was helping a less experienced photographer with posing a woman, and joking with both as to how I was doing so. After the woman saw the images, she sought me out to give me a hug and say thank you for making her look so good.”

Though it’s easy to take family photos for granted, for some, they are still a luxury.

“Initially, many of our clients have never had the means to have a professional portrait taken. It turned out, many of them had no pictures of themselves or their families at all,” said Ben Simon, also a founding photographer with Help-Portrait Columbus. “Over the years, we’ve photographed many of the same families. They can now document their individual growth and that of their families through the images we provide.”

“Reactions have always been mixed with raw emotion and gratitude,” Simon said. “I truly believe when you’re down on your luck, sometimes all it takes is the kindness of a stranger to remind you how special you are.” ▩

Photographers interested in joining Help-Portrait can learn more at help-portrait.com. Events will be held on December 6 at Rebecca’s Place, the Childhood League, Urban Concern, and additional locations throughout Central Ohio.