April: Could Man Live by Bread(fruit) Alone? The article "Breadfruit" by Bonnie Kerr.
   As its metaphorical name implies, breadfruit tree (Artocarpus altilis-Moraceae) is an excellent example of how abundantly Mother Nature can provide for us.  The Breadfruit is originally from New Guinea, and possibly Indonesia and the Philippines.  It was spread throughout the Pacific by the island voyagers who carried root cuttings in their canoes. You won’t find breadfruit growing anywhere in the fifty States but Hawaii, which is where I began to grow breadfruit and ate it almost everyday of my seven year residence.  To continue reading the article click here.

March: FORTUNE Small Business March issue will shine a light on an artistic form of charity, a gift to Global Garden from an artist and firefighter, Frank Malanga of Burlington County, NJ.

"When I first saw Global Garden's charity calendar I was moved by their mission and inspired by the paintings of Alexis Trice! And so I volunteered immediately to translate their calendar cover into my art form, metal sculpture, which could be auctioned off to help raise money to rebuild New Orleans' Ninth Ward!

My interest in this medium began on the job, as a welder. I worked in a steel mill where we made conning towers for submarines. Pretty straight forward stuff. Later I began creating metal sculptures from found objects and scrap steel, stuff that would be thrown out. It was a great way of doing my part in sparing the land fills of more unwanted trash.

This dog was made from an old discarded filing cabinet, some chain and a spring from an old gas station pump. There's even an old washer and broken bolt that make up his neck. Where most folks see trash I see other things.

The positive response I have received from both, art and pet enthusiasts, is extremely gratifying and I am happy to donate the proceeds (estimated value $500.) from this sculpture to Global Garden's charitable effort to rebuild the Ninth Ward with the help of dog fans everywhere!"

To find out more about our charity art auction or place a bid, click here.

Special Announcement:
3/11/09
Today we received approval ~ We are now an official
501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization.

Special Announcement:
2/9/09
In the interest of securing a relationship with a local New Orleans' organization, one that knows well the community and the organizations assisting in reconstruction of the Ninth Ward, today, Global Garden's President, Barbara L. George, entered into an agreement, with Bard College's Stephen Tremaine, Director of Urban Studies in New Orleans Program, to assist her charity through the selection of qualified recipients.

"As a native of New Orleans and now the Director of USNOP since 2005, I believe that Mr. Tremaine will advise us, free from any conflict of interest but rather, compliment us with their harmonious mission." 

The Urban Studies in New Orleans Program is a summer academic and service program offered in partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana.  Students in the program pair coursework in urban geography, policy, and history with substantive internships in a range of community-based recovery organizations.  More information can be found at: www.bard.edu/neworleans/study/

"You can count on Global Garden to keep you, our friends, informed of all our associations and transactions, as we believe in full transparency for the benefit of all, not only to fulfill on our word, but to serve as a template for other charities who aspire to serve their community's greater good."