As we begin our celebratory year, honoring 10 years of our mission to improve the Pound Ridge Business District, it is only fitting that we have joined forces with Growing Pound Ridge to fulfill a dream initially identified at our first Pound Ridge Proud Day event in 2010. “Having been involved since the inception of the first Pound Ridge Proud Day, I have an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for how our Town comes together, working toward our goals,” says Terri Pike, Vice President of the Pound Ridge Partnership. Now that the new streetlights have been installed, it’s time to complete the look with the installation of hanging flower baskets.
“When it comes to community beautification and enhancement, flowers have the greatest impact. As a fledging organization aiming to participate in America in Bloom, it was only natural for GPR to partner on this project,” says Growing Pound Ridge founder, Carrie Sears. While the recently founded organization develops a municipal landscape plan with Louis Fusco Landscape Architects, it adopted as an initial priority the Partnership’s goal to install hanging baskets and landscaping in areas near the streetlights. This collaborative partnership, actually a trio, includes the Pound Ridge Partnership, Growing Pound Ridge and the Pound Ridge Business Association. The funds raised by the collaborative partnership will offset the cost of materials, including plants, plus the installation and seasonal care of these plants. A series of fundraising initiatives will be rolled out along with the procurement of donations.
The Pound Ridge Nursery, has launched the movement’s sponsorship efforts with a generous pledge. “In developing a plan to have beautiful flowering hanging baskets on the new streetlights, the Pound Ridge Partnership is grateful to have the support and generosity of the Pound Ridge Nursery to help us bring this long term dream to fruition,” says Terri Pike. As the inaugural benefactor, John Gaultiere owner of the Pound Ridge Nursery says that they “are here to help.” The Nursery will underwrite the purchase of the hanging baskets and its flowers within the Business District, stretching the value of the fundraising dollars significantly. Carrie Sears, explains that funds raised could possibly expand the reach of the flower basket installation, as well as provide “for in ground planting of annuals throughout town, expenses associated with watering and fertilizing, and for more permanent plantings.”
The initial fundraising initiative, Pennies for Posies, launched in January and will take place through April in the Business District. Larger donations can be made through the Partnership’s PayPal portal making them fully tax deductible. The coin fundraising campaign will conclude with a Coin Toss Carnival currently being planned for May 1st (rain date of May2nd).
“The hanging flower baskets have become symbolic of that ‘working together’ for the sweet little town we all love. I hear people say that ‘Pound Ridge has never looked better!’” reflects Terri Pike.
