Portland, Oregon - March 18, 2024 - Portland Fruit Tree Project and the vibrant community of nonprofit organizations housed within the Leaven Community Center are excited to announce a collaborative street festival, spring plant sale, community forum and fundraiser aimed at promoting climate justice and community resilience. The event, Earth Every Day at Leaven Community, will take place on April 20th from 11am to 8pm at the Leaven Community Center, located at 5431 NE 20th Ave.
Sparrowhawk Native Plants will be present to fulfill pre-ordered plant pickups, and for those who missed the pre-order deadline, there will be a FLASH SALE of leftover plants at incredible prices starting at 2pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore an array of garden plants, fruiting trees, and shrubs offered by Portland Fruit Tree Project throughout the day.
In addition to plant sales, attendees can indulge in refreshments from 2Towns Ciderhouse, Deschutes Brewery, a Lavender Lemonade Stand, and food for sale from Leaven Community. Family-centric activities, facility tours, and informational booths hosted by neighborhood nonprofits will provide entertainment and education on topics ranging from wildlife tracking to eco-justice initiatives.
Guests will have the chance to win prizes generously provided by Freeya, Portland’s Homegrown Free Marketplace. Furthermore, all attendees will receive a Pro membership to Freeya via email after the event, valued at $60.
The event schedule is packed with engaging activities including crafting for kids with SCRAP PDX, wildlife tracking with Cascadia Wild, a meet and greet with Pyxis the Miniature Therapy Unicorn, and live music by Jessa of Jessa Campbell & The Saplings, among others. A community forum hosted by Leaven Community at 3:30 pm will ask neighbors to imagine what a neighborhood rooted in community resilience and climate justice would look like for them. The day will culminate in a Downtown Portland Raffle Package drawing and a rock concert from 6 to 8pm, donated generously by local group Paper Plane.
"We're thrilled to partner with Leaven Community Center and our fellow nonprofits to bring this dynamic event to the Portland community," said Heather Kessler-Fornes, Executive Director of Portland Fruit Tree Project. "It's an opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our shared values, and take meaningful action towards community resilience."
Founded in 2013, Leaven Community is dedicated to igniting the power of relationships within neighborhoods for more equitable, diverse, and thriving communities. Portland Fruit Tree Project annually harvests and donates over ten thousand pounds of fruit, contributing to the community's food security while reducing waste.
"We invite everyone to join us for a day of fun, learning, and community building," said Alison Killeen, Director-Organizer of Leaven Community Center. "Together, we can make a difference and create a more resilient future for all."
Sliding scale tickets are available starting at a $5 donation, and children under 5 are admitted free of charge. Additionally, free tickets are available upon request, as inclusivity and accessibility are priorities for the event organizers.
For more information about the event, visit https://www.merctickets.com/events/150358067/leaven-community-earth-every-day-celebration-with-portland-fruit-tree-project or follow Portland Fruit Tree Project and Leaven Community Center on social media.
About Portland Fruit Tree Project: Portland Fruit Tree Project cares for the trees that feed and shade the community, annually harvesting and donating over ten thousand pounds of fruit that would otherwise go to waste.
About Leaven Community: Anchored in the Vernon and Alberta neighborhoods, Leaven Community ignites the power of our relationships in our shared stories and spiritual wisdoms by acting collectively with our neighbors for more equitable, diverse, thriving neighborhoods.
About Sparrowhawk Native Plants: Sparrowhawk Native Plants offers premium-quality native plants through online sales and neighborhood pop-up events, supporting local communities and wildlife conservation efforts.
About Freeya: Freeya is a marketplace app that simplifies the process of giving and getting free items within neighborhoods, promoting sustainability and community connection.
This event is generously sponsored by Metro, TriMet, Freeya and a gift from the Oregon Synod Disaster and Climate Resilience Initiative.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kathryn Howard
Event and Partnership Manager
Portland Fruit Tree Project
503.902.8550
OR
Alison Killeen
Director-Organizer, Leaven Community