LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Bonterra's seed $22,000 investment in its Urban Farming Campaign engaged more than 600 individuals to raise more than $60,000 to fund urban farming organizations across the U.S. The Campaign not only raised much-needed funding for seven well-deserving farming organizations, but it also helped build their online fundraising capacity and engaged people in support of these local farms.

As one of the world's leading producers of wine made from organically grown grapes, Bonterra joined forces with Growing Power, a world-renowned organization focused on providing communities with healthy foods and led by Will Allen, one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people (2010), to raise awareness and funds for urban farming. The partnership kicked-off with the Campaign for Urban Farming, a four-week fundraising campaign, powered by GlobalGiving.org.

"At Bonterra, we believe people everywhere should have access to sustainable, healthy, and true food. We're proud to have been able to turn our seed money into more than $60,000 through the support of so many individuals who share our vision of bringing true food to people who need it," said John Tichenor, Bonterra Wine Brand Director. "Our goal is not only to raise money, but to also engage people across the country about the urban farming movement. We aim to encourage people to support local farming and enable these organizations to produce more food for their communities."

Each organization worked to engage its local community to support its efforts. In addition to raising awareness and funds, many of these organizations earned a permanent spot on GlobalGiving.org by meeting their fundraising goals, which will give them access to thousands of donors around the world and cutting edge online fundraising tools on a continued basis. Bonterra is also providing each organization with wine barrels which they can turn into rain water collection barrels or planters. Here are the fundraising results for each participating urban farming organization:

The Women's Environmental Institute (Little Earth, MN) raised over $13,000 from individuals and Bonterra matching funds to win a $4,000 prize from Bonterra for raising the most money. In total, they raised $17,727 for their organization – enough to provide labor and materials for five full hoophouses (greenhouses), as well as the community education about green jobs to build and maintain the associated organic community farms.

Growing Power Milwaukee (Milwaukee, WI) raised over $6,000 from individuals and Bonterra matching funds to win a $4,000 prize from Bonterra for having the most donors participate in their fundraising efforts. In total, they raised more than $10,000 for their organization – the equivalent of weekly Market Basket fresh produce supplements for 400 families.

Feed Denver (Denver, CO) raised over $12,000 from individuals and Bonterra matching funds. They won a $2,000 prize from Bonterra for raising the second-largest amount of donations as well $2,000 for having the second largest amount of donors participate in fundraising. In total, they raised more than $16,000 for their organization – enough to send 40 community members to a Growing Power weekend workshop in Milwaukee, WI.

Breaking New Grounds (Louisville, KY) raised over $7,000 from individuals and Bonterra matching funds. With this money, the organization can purchase more than 720 dwarf fruit trees.

Brooklyn Rescue Mission (Brooklyn, NY) raised over $4,500 from individuals and Bonterra matching funds. With this money, the organization can buy over 460 fish for its aquaponics system.

Growing Power Chicago (Chicago, IL) raised almost $3,500 from individuals and Bonterra matching funds. This money can go towards purchasing 46 compost bins or 23 rain barrels.

People's Grocery (Oakland, CA) raised almost $100 through donations which can provide two weeks of healthy food for a low-income family.

Bonterra is committed to organic farming and is a great partner to share Growing Power's message of bringing healthy food to all communities. Bonterra, which literally means "good earth" uses only organic practices in growing its grapes – no synthetic pesticides or chemicals are used in its farming. Similarly, Growing Power, dedicated to creating a food-secure community, focuses on composting, the soil, and natural farming practices. Both Bonterra and Growing Power share the goal of bringing the true nature of food to people everywhere and the belief that it all starts with the right soil.

"It takes a commitment from all types of organizations and businesses. Bonterra is a wonderful example of a corporation that is not only committed to building our Good Food Revolution, but is backing it with financial support. We are proud to partner with Bonterra, and our other corporate partners who share similar philosophies," said Will Allen, founder and CEO of Growing Power.

Bonterra is produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE: BF-B). For more information visit [ www.bonterra.com ].

Drink responsibly.

SOURCE Bonterra

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