Dear Friends of Alameda Backyard Growers! We are pleased to kick off 2013 with exciting news! Over the past few months, ABG has become a not-for-profit corporation, appointed a Board of Directors, and begun filing the necessary documentation to become a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. This means your future donations will be deductible to the full extent allowed by the IRS – another great reason to participate in and support ABG’s free monthly community education programs, Project Pick (formerly the Alameda Fruit Gleaning Initiative), and the "Grow A Row" Project.We invite you - our friends and supporters - to celebrate ABG’s growth and support our community programs with a financial contribution of any amount. If you “Show Your Love” by Valentine’s Day, you will be forever known as a “Founding Donor” and will be gratefully acknowledged at ABG’s third year anniversary event, “Celebrating Our Roots”, on Sunday, February 17, 2013 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at the Alameda Main Library. Our anniversary celebration will include:Refreshments and “community time” to chat and minglePresentation by ABG co-founders, Amanda Bruemmer & Janice EdwardsIntroduction of ABG’s new Board of DirectorsOverview of ABG’s new structure and three standing committees: Community Education & Outreach CommitteeGleaning & Growing CommitteeFundraising & Finance CommitteeCommunity film screening of "The Economics of Happiness"Opportunities to provide financial and/or volunteer supportPlease take a moment to RVSP right now and/or become an ABG “Founding Donor."If you prefer to make a donation offline, please make your check payable to Alameda Backyard Growers, Inc. and mail it to: Alameda Backyard Growers, Inc. c/o Birgitt Evans, Treasurer, 2829 San Jose Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. Please include your phone number and the names you wish listed as "Founding Donors."Please Note: Contributions received after February 14, 2013 will not qualify as a “Founding Donor."Alameda Backyard Growers deeply appreciates your ongoing interest and support. Our remarkable success would not be possible without you!Happy Gardening!Alameda Backyard Growers For more information about ABG, visit our web site or click on these links:2012 ABG Highlights2013 ABG Monthly Meeting Schedule Visit EventBrite.com for pricing.