By Steve Gilliam, University Relations
Connect: (336) 334-5371
Posted 5-26-08
GREENSBORO, NC - Support and recognition by rock legend Bruce Springsteen has added some “green” to UNCG’s Project Green Leaf – over $14,000.
Springsteen and the E Street Band performed in Greensboro April 28 and PGL was picked as one of two local charities to benefit. The traditional “Pass the Bucket” fundraiser that is conducted at each of his concerts provided $861. The tour also provided PGL with two pair of VIP tickets which were auctioned on the Charity Folks website for $3,900.
But the big surprise was a $10,000 anonymous gift, and PGL Director Dr. Susan Andreatta says she has no idea who made it (but suspects that it might have come from The Boss).
She commented that she is “so very grateful to Bruce Springsteen for his incredible generosity and for having selected UNCG-Project Green Leaf as one of the evening’s community groups to attend the concert and receive donations from his fans.”
She said “it is amazing how his words of encouragement to those in attendance to support UNCG-Project Green Leaf and Urban Ministry provided an opportunity for people to gain awareness of the organizations’ activities and generously fill the buckets.” She is deeply grateful for everyone’s contributions and hopes that they will find ways to participate in the local agro-food system by shopping for North Carolina products, including produce, meats and seafood.
Since receiving these gifts Andreatta has contacted several small-farmers and has begun an apprenticeship program. She is working with some of her students who are interested getting first hand experience on-farm and at farmers markets. She recognizes that the existing farming population has few young people in it. It is her hope that she is helping to train future farmers and growers that will help sustain a local agriculture and food system for the years to come.
Project Green Leaf was listed as a “community connection” on the World Hunger Year website, which was founded in 1975 and drew support from singer Harry Chapin. The Springsteen tour picked up on it. PGL is the ideal charity Springsteen likes to support – a non-profit organization where people are helping themselves improve their daily lives.
The project’s mission is to promote and support a local agro-food system. Project Green Leaf is dedicated to sustaining local agriculture by strengthening community between farmers and consumers, thus providing for better quality of living. By promoting various activities, such as direct marketing and educational/outreach programs, PGL assists in developing the connections necessary for a local agro-food system.
