The Leadership Gainesville Class of 2023-2024, consisting of 14 members from the community and two National Honor Society members from Gainesville ISD, successfully built six raised community garden beds for VISTO as part of their class project.
VISTO (Volunteers in Service to Others) is a food pantry in Gainesville.
This initiative was supported by donations from the class members, various community organizations, and the Gainesville ISD National Honor Society.
“It was great seeing the organizations work together to establish these garden beds,” Phyllis Griffin, the Cooke County 4-H Extension Agent who played a key role in establishing the garden beds, said.
“This project will provide the community with access to fresh, healthy produce while also educating people on sustainable gardening practices. It’s a great example of how we can come together to create lasting, positive change.”
Members of Cooke County 4-H help maintain the beds with VISTO.
Bekki Jones, VISTO Executive Director, expressed her appreciation for the project.
“The work done by Leadership Gainesville and the community will have a lasting impact on the families we serve,” Jones said. “These garden beds will not only provide fresh produce but also symbolize the collective effort of local leaders working to create a better future for our community.”
The raised garden beds have already begun producing crops this spring and summer, contributing fresh produce to VISTO’s efforts to support food security in the area.
These beds align with VISTO’s mission to enhance access to healthy food and promote self-sufficiency.
In a spirit of collaboration and leadership, the Class of 2023-2024 has challenged the upcoming Leadership Gainesville Class of 2024-2025 to come up with a bigger project that will further benefit the community.
The Leadership Gainesville program, hosted by the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, encourages emerging leaders to engage in community projects that foster civic involvement and development.
More information about VISTO can be found at www.Vistohelps.com, and details about the Leadership Gainesville program are available through the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Members of the Leadership Gainesville Class of 2023-2024 include:
Zenia Cruz, City of Gainesville
Brenda Cryer, City of Gainesville
Paublo De Santiago, First United Bank
Scott Dougherty, Bezner Insurance
Haley Hughes, Trident Processing Systems
Josh Kelly, Gainesville ISD
Arin Lane, Gainesville ISD
William Myers, Gainesville Economic Development Corporation
Jessica Osner, Safran Seats USA
Martin Phillips, Red River Rides
Karley Simmons, City of Gainesville
Haley Vesperman, First State Bank
Autumn White, Gandy Ink
Lori Woodard, 4U Credit Union
Emily Martinez, Gainesville High School Senior
April Mendez, Gainesville High School Senior
