Spring Celebration Highlights: Rooted in Connection

There’s something special about gathering at the Cultivate Hope Urban Farm in the spring, and this year’s Spring Celebration was no exception.

With cool, fresh air and that unmistakable feeling of a new season beginning, friends of Matthew 25 came together for an evening filled with connection, conversation, and community. From the moment guests arrived, the farm was buzzing with neighbors reconnecting, new friendships forming, and plenty of smiles to go around.

Groundswell Cafe helped make the evening delicious and memorable, serving up a spread of hummus and fresh vegetables, fruit skewers, and brick oven pizza that kept guests coming back for more. It was the perfect complement to an evening designed for lingering, sharing stories, and simply being together.

Across the farm, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Families explored the playground and our new mud kitchen, while others stopped by the photo booth at our oversized Adirondack chair, which quickly became a favorite. Throughout the evening, live music from Frank Ditri added a warm, welcoming soundtrack as guests took in all the farm has to offer.

During a brief program, our Executive Director, Courtney Ball, shared a powerful reflection on the importance of connection. He highlighted the five levels of connection that shape strong communities, from simple moments of acknowledgment to deeper relationships rooted in trust and shared purpose. It was a meaningful reminder that the work we do at Matthew 25 goes beyond programs. It’s about building relationships that truly matter.

We were also honored to recognize three outstanding partners whose impact continues to strengthen our mission:

Corporate Partner of the Year: West Fork Farm
West Fork Farm has been an incredible partner to Cultivate Hope by supplying products to the Corner Store and welcoming our Youth Development Program students each summer. Their team creates a hands-on, engaging experience that helps students connect with the land, their food, and each other.

Church Partner of the Year: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
St. Paul’s has long been a dedicated partner of Matthew 25, and this year’s recognition reflects their extraordinary gift: the donation of the Coe-Paul-Westrom home, along with $150,000 to support its restoration. Together, we transformed a long-vacant historic home into quality, affordable housing for two families. It’s an investment that will impact lives for years to come.

Volunteer of the Year: Jeff Englert
Jeff’s commitment to our Youth Development Program is truly inspiring. Spending his summer by dedicating his time to teaching and mentoring students at the Urban Farm. Jeff helping them grow not only food, but confidence, skills, and a sense of possibility.

Throughout the evening, Matthew 25 staff enjoyed sharing the many spaces and stories of the Urban Farm. The night even included a quick staff photo to send along a joyful “Happy Spring!” to all.

More than anything, the Spring Celebration was exactly that—a celebration of the relationships that sustain our work. From partners and volunteers to neighbors and friends, it’s these connections that allow Matthew 25 to continue building a stronger, healthier community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us.