Chef In Your Garden, a Fundraiser for Growing Gardens, Is Sunday in Portland

Last week I was contacted by a person representing Growing Gardens about their upcoming fundraiser, Chef In Your Garden. As an eater, a gardener, and someone who supports equitable access to healthy food, this event really speaks to me. So I wanted to share some details about this event with you.

Growing Gardens

I first heard about Growing Gardens from Waz Wu and Veganizer, who produced a fundraising event for them back in April. The organization was founded in 1996 and is a Portland, Oregon-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

They use “the experience of growing food in schools, backyards, and correctional facilities to cultivate healthy and equitable communities.” Their programs include Home Gardens, Youth Grow, and Lettuce Grow, which support their mission of cultivating equal access, sharing resources, and education and training—all to serve the goal of everyone having the right to healthy food.

As you can see above, Growing Gardens is also almost 30 years old, which is a huge achievement in my book.

Chef In Your Garden

This event takes place on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 4:30pm to 9pm at the Redd on Salmon (where the recent fundraiser for Urban Gleaners—Summer Supper—took place, where the CSA Share Fair holds their annual event, and where the very cool inaugural Wasabi Fest also happened). It “celebrates the power of gardens and raises vital funds for Growing Gardens’ year-round programs supporting families, schools, and communities across Oregon.”

This is their signature fundraiser each year. Funds raised will directly support the expansion of garden-based education, food access, and wellness programs statewide.

Along with the food and drink highlights, this year’s event will feature stories and performances from the folks at Growing Gardens, which offers a deeper look into their important work. But I do want to share with you the eats and drinks for the evening.

Eating and Drinking at Chef In Your Garden

Chef In Your Garden has a great lineup of chefs:

Boss Phimmanon of Norah will offer hors d’oeuvres.
Nan Chaison of LibrePDX is in charge of the cocktail menu.
Fatou Ouattara of Akadi will create a three-course family-style dinner.
Penny Nguyen of Delicious Donuts along with Portland Coffee Roasters will serve a nightcap and sweet treats.

“What began years ago as intimate backyard dinners prepared by local chefs has blossomed into a powerful evening of food and conversation,” says Growing Gardens. “At a time when federal funding for nonprofits is being reduced, Chef in Your Garden plays a critical role in sustaining Growing Gardens’ mission. Every ticket purchased, every dish served, and every toast raised helps plant more neighborhood gardens and grow programs in schools, communities, and correctional facilities.”

You can buy your tickets to Chef in Your Garden on their Kindful event page. Tickets are $75 each and $650 for a table of 10, bringing down the cost per person to $65.

I hope you will consider attending this fantastic event!

Growing Gardens annual Chef In Your Garden fundraiser
Sunday, September 21, 2025
4:30pm to 9pm
The Redd on Salmon, 831 SE Salmon Street, Portland

TICKETS: $75, Link to purchase