Supporters of environmental journalism came together May 28 at the home of Judy Wicks to raise awareness and funds for the Local’s new reporter, Abby Weiss. Weiss, a Report for America corps member, starts on July 7 and will dedicate herself to important environment-related topics. From climate change to invasive species to celebrating greening initiatives, beginning in July, readers will start to see regular coverage that will provide relevant and actionable information. 

Wicks’ home was the perfect venue for an event centering on environmental awareness. The founder of the White Dog Cafe, and a pioneer in the local farm-to-table movement, Wicks has turned her Chestnut Hill home into an oasis of sustainability. Her sprawling gardens and eclectic decor reflect her life’s work as an activist. Wicks opened her home to roughly 50 community members who came together to speak about the urgent need to take action to improve our planet and, as Wicks put it, “ensure a future for our grandchildren.”

Chestnut Hill Rotary Club volunteers greeted guests at the door and served a gorgeous banquet, provided by Weavers Way. People mingled and chatted. They shared their concerns, as well as their hopes. There was a great deal of energy surrounding the event, which makes sense given that Philadelphia is often dubbed “America’s Gardening Capital.” 

People in Northwest Philadelphia and Southeast Montgomery County care about sustainability, preservation, conservation, clean water and air, trees, and more. Many invest time and money to ensure that the Wissahickon watershed and its surrounding environs can thrive in the midst of climate change and regular threats to our planet. So, it was fitting that the event also doubled as a fundraiser, ensuring that Weiss will be able to stay on for three or more years and that the Local can provide ongoing coverage of a subject that is of the utmost importance. 

We are grateful to Bob and Nancy Elfant who wrote a $10,000 check on the spot, moving the Local $10,000 closer to our goal of raising $100,000 over the next three years. Others donated as well, and the Chestnut Hill Community Fund has graciously offered its support, enabling donors to make tax-deductible contributions. 

The event wasn’t merely exciting — it was inspiring. When Abby begins her reporting this summer she’ll be looking for tips and sources. In the meantime, I’m looking to meet people who care about environmental issues and want to make a difference. 

I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and partnering with community members to see that we can raise both funds and awareness of our environment over the next three years. If you are interested in the environment or would like to get involved, please reach out. Also, please consider making a gift to support our effort!

Daralyse Lyons can be reached at Daralyse@chestnuthilllocal.com.

Checks can be sent to the Chestnut Hill Community Fund, memo: Environmental Reporting, 8434 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118. Or donate directly to our giving portal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MHJBQVHUYGJE6 .