PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Erin Marteal, Interim Executive Director, Development Director
Ithaca Children’s Garden
Email: Erin@ithacachildrensgarden.org
Phone: (607) 319-4203

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Ithaca Children’s Garden Launches Scholarship Fund Campaign, Invites Community to Take Action for Kids and Nature

ITHACA, NY— March 25, 2025 — Every child deserves the chance to explore, play, and grow — regardless of their family’s financial situation. That’s why Ithaca Children’s Garden (ICG) is launching its annual Scholarship Fund Campaign on April 1, with a goal of raising $54,000 to provide scholarships for over 100 local families.

“For many families, ICG’s programs are more than just enriching experiences — they are essential childcare solutions,” said Naomi Sukenik, Executive Director of ICG. “Tuition allows us to hire and train incredible educators, but it also creates a barrier for some families. The only way we can keep ICG accessible to ALL children is through community support.”

ICG’s Scholarship Fund ensures that children from all economic backgrounds can benefit from nature-based education and play. Parents who have received scholarships have shared how transformative these experiences are for their children.

“Ithaca Children’s Garden has all the fundamental values we look for in a childcare program, but we would have been unable to afford the camps without the scholarship fund,” said Lara, an ICG parent. “Now we are able to have our children experience the excellent and unique values ICG upholds while also being able to pay for our living expenses.”

This year, ICG is offering an exciting opportunity for donors to maximize their impact. Thanks to a generous $27,000 matching gift, every dollar contributed will be doubled. And on Earth Day,  gifts from new donors will be TRIPLED up to $1,000! 

But to meet the goal, the community must rally together by April 30.

ICG invites the community to take part in two upcoming events that celebrate nature and community action, and also support ICG’s Scholarship Fund:

• Earth Day Action: Volunteer Day at ICG (April 22) — A hands-on opportunity to improve and maintain ICG, ensuring it remains a free, welcoming space for all. Generously sponsored by Wegmans, Visions Federal Credit Union, and The Home Depot, this event highlights environmental stewardship and supports the Scholarship Campaign. Plus, Earth Day donations from new and lapsed donors will be TRIPLED!
  
  
• Daffodil Dash (April 26) — A family-friendly run, walk, or stroll through Cass Park’s blooming daffodils. While this event doesn’t directly fund scholarships, attendees will be invited to support Scholarship campaign at the event. The Daffodil Dash is a partnership with the Ithaca Garden Club, and funds raised through event registration go to the City of Ithaca to plant more bulbs around the city.

Every gift is an investment in a child’s future. Parents consistently report that ICG ignites a love for gardening and a deep respect for nature and enhances confidence, social skills, and life skills.

“During her time with the Playful Nature Explorers program, my daughter’s language skills blossomed,” shared Stephanie, another ICG parent. “She has gained the confidence to communicate her boundaries to children and adults alike, which is so important for children to learn.”

ICG invites the community to help plant the seeds for a lifetime of nature connection by making a scholarship gift today. Gifts can be made at: https://tinyurl.com/ICGScholarship

For more information about the ICG Scholarship Fund or to donate, visit the ICG website, or contact ICG’s Development Director, Erin Marteal at giving@ithacachildrensgarden.org.

About Ithaca Children’s Garden:

Ithaca Children’s Garden is a three-acre public children’s garden located on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. With a mission to inspire and connect children to nature, the Garden offers dynamic programs and welcoming spaces for children of all ages to learn, grow, and play.

As a nonprofit organization, ICG depends on the support of the community to provide children with opportunities to connect with nature, nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. Please consider supporting ICG’s mission by visiting https://www.ithacachildrensgarden.org/support/

For more information, please visit: https://www.ithacachildrensgarden.org/

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