Arkansas State Police Foundation

Little Rock, ARK ( May 19, 2010 ) ' Dunbar Garden Project/Arkansas Urban Garden Educational Resources ( AUGER ) has achieved a $10, 000 fundraising goal in order to qualify for an additional $10, 000 grant from the Chamberlin Family Foundation Arkansas Community Foundation ( ARCF ). The Chamberlin family issued the challenge to Dunbar Garden earlier this spring, offering a dollar-for-dollar match for all contributions to the Garden up to $10, 000. The AUGER board was thrilled with this creative challenge, said board member Pratt Remmel, founder of the Dunbar Garden. This wonderful matching grant process goes to show that when we help young people learn to plant seeds and tend gardens, we are also teaching them to plant hope. The fundraising challenge was issued by the Chamberlin family in response to recent budget cuts at the Dunbar Garden that resulted in the layoff of one of the Garden's two teacher/gardeners. In January, Little Rock Parks and Recreation, one of the Garden's primary funding sources, was forced to reduce its support for the garden due to the current difficult financial climate. Now, with the funding generated by the matching grant from the Chamberlin Family Foundation, Dunbar Garden plans to hire an additional staff person to assist the remaining teacher/gardener, according to Remmel. The Dunbar Garden Project is an outdoor garden classroom providing hands-on learning experiences for children at Gibbs International Magnet Elementary School and Dunbar Magnet Middle School. In addition to providing environmental education for children, teens and adults, the two-acre garden also supplies fresh produce to numerous local restaurants, including Boulevard Bread and Lilly's Dim Sum. The Dunbar Garden is a great resource, not only for the students and surrounding neighbors who benefit directly, but also as a model for other schools who want to start gardens of their own, said Shannon Chamberlin of the Chamberlin Family Foundation. We have a treasure here, one that deserves widespread community support and emulation. I'm pleased about the excitement stirred up by folks working to match the grant. It's very satisfying to be part of such an important effort. Arkansas Community Foundation makes grants to improve the quality of life in our state and collaborates with individuals, families and organizations to build local communities through philanthropy. ARCF has more than $125 million in assets and has provided more than $75 million in grants since it began operation in 1976. Contributions to ARCF, its funds and any of its 27 local affiliate offices are fully tax deductible.

The Arthritis Foundation in Little Rock, AR is a leading organization dedicated to providing support and resources for individuals living with arthritis and related conditions. With a focus on advocacy, education, and research, they strive to empower patients to manage their health, access appropriate care, and improve their quality of life. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the Arthritis Foundation works to increase awareness of arthritis, support patients in navigating the healthcare system, and fund research to develop effective treatments and ultimately find a cure for this debilitating disease. Generated from the website

The Arkansas Head Start Association in Little Rock serves as the hub for Head Start programs in the state, providing resources and support to enhance early childhood education. Collaborating with the Head Start State Collaboration Office, they work to ensure high-quality services for children and families in Arkansas. Through advocacy and partnerships, the Arkansas Head Start Association promotes the well-being of young children and empowers families to thrive. Their dedication to early childhood development makes a lasting impact on the community and fosters a brighter future for all. Generated from their website's infomation