Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions
This week I’d like to highlight Caramel Connections Foundation and The Seeds of Joy Community Garden a nonprofit based out of Ontario, California.
Friends of Distinction – Saturday, July 23rd, Founder and CEO ‘Elizabeth McSwain’, held a ‘Friends of Distinction Celebration’ to recognize and honor their community partners, volunteers, board members, and sponsors. The day was absolutely beautiful and filled with love. The celebration took place in Ontario at the Seeds of Joy Community Garden located at 1240 W. 4th Street, Ontario, CA. starting at 10:00 am ending at 2:00 pm.
The event theme was tropical. Upon arrival guests were greeted with Caribbean music provided by guitar player, ‘Ronnie B. Good’, which set the tone for the day. As the music played, they were able to tour the garden, ask questions, and take photos. ‘Pastor Brian E. Kennedy SR.’ of Mt. Zion Church opened the celebration with prayer and the Mayor of Ontario, ’Paul S. Leon’, spoke of the wonderful works taking place at the community garden and expressed how happy he was to be a part of it all. As the breeze flowed, guests were able to relax under a shady tree while participating in a mindfulness meditation exercise. Entertainment was comprised of three amazing poets, ‘Lyrically Aware’, ‘Truth’, and ‘Dion Jahmal’. A healthy lunch was provided for all to enjoy. The menu consisted of delicious meat patties, a garden salad with fresh veggies harvested out of their garden; along with fresh fruit and hibachi juice. Tote bags with resources and promotional materials was handed out towards the end.
Caramel Connections Foundation connects the community through culinary events. Their initiatives include introducing families to a healthy eating lifestyle. The Seeds of Joy Community Garden project serves systemically marginalized communities, which may include but are not limited to low-income, BIPOC, formerly incarnated students of colors, veterans, documented and undocumented youth.
Congratulations to founder and CEO, ‘Elizabeth McSwain’ for being honored as a 2022 Woman of Distinction.
List of Supporters: First 5 San Bernardino, Mount Zion, Ontario South UCCE, Master Gardeners of San Bernardino County, City of Ontario, California – Government KVCR, Lifestyles Spectrum News 1, SoCal SLJ PRO AUDIO SERVICES, LUE Productions, The Black Chamber of Commerce I.E., Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Kohl’s Cares, Rsbcihi Health Education Native American Resource Center, 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire, Niagara Cares Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield ,American Beverage, and Connect IE
How to Connect:
community@caramelconnections.org
909.696.9017
