Blackberry Farm Foundation donates $130,000 to Five Local Charities

Blackberry Farm Foundation announces it’s 2014 grants of $130,000 by donating to Blount County based charities including New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, Harmony Family Center, Maryville High School’s new culinary program and Café le Reve, Blount County Boys and Girls Club as well as East Tennessee founded H.E.R.O. Child-Rescue Corps.

“We are so thankful to have each one of these organizations in our community and can’t be more pleased to assist with their projects that are impacting children through nutrition, food related benefits and safety,” said Blackberry Farm Proprietor Sam Beall.

In 2014, Blackberry Farm Foundation more than quadrupled it’s giving to make a larger impact on the local community. Blackberry Farm has worked directly with each recipient organization to identify specific programs that will provide educational outreach and training on nutrition, gardening and safe food practices as well as provide needed equipment. In addition, the grants for H.E.R.O. and New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center will enhance child safety in East Tennessee.

“Blackberry Farm has joined National Association to Protect Children's war against child predators in a big way – helping fund the H.E.R.O. Child-Rescue Corps, wounded veterans trained and deployed on a new battlefield and a new mission: child rescue,” said Actor and Senior Campaign Strategist for H.E.R.O. David Keith. “Blackberry Farm is striking a powerful blow for vets and kids and against those who's base desire is to hurt children.”

Blackberry Farm in partnership with the East Tennessee Foundation created the Blackberry Farm Foundation in 2012 in order to give to local children and foodways-related charities. Blackberry Farm is honored to raise funds for recipient charities as part of its annual music concert series and cooking schools through silent auctions.

“The Blackberry Farm Foundation's generosity will help ensure our members get to experience culinary opportunities they would not otherwise have access to,” said Jeff Money CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Blount County. “The culinary arts program, new garden and upgrade in kitchen equipment will all provide our members with important education and life tools to reach their full potential, while also helping improve our community.”

“Blackberry Farm is making a difference to so many in our community by lifting up so many causes and vulnerable souls,” said Founder and CEO of Harmony Family Center Pam Wolf.