We Need Your Support!

December 21, 2007

During this season of giving, please consider a gift to CUESA! As a nonprofit educational institution, we work to promote a sustainable food system by operating the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and its educational programs. Fulfilling our mission requires considerable resources, and while we are fortunate to have the income provided by our farmers’ markets, fundraising events, sponsorships and a few other sources, we can do more with additional support.

During this season of giving, please consider a gift to CUESA! As a nonprofit educational institution, we work to promote a sustainable food system by operating the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and its educational programs. Fulfilling our mission requires considerable resources, and while we are fortunate to have the income provided by our farmers’ markets, fundraising events, sponsorships and a few other sources, we can do more with additional support.

Some of you already contribute directly to CUESA by sponsoring or attending fundraising events such as our Sunday Supper, working as a volunteer, or serving on a committee. CUESA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, so your cash or in-kind donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Our education programs, farmers’ market operations, and administrative staff need additional or upgraded equipment and supplies. Here is our list of some current activities and examples of specific needs:

Education programs

CUESA provides many formal and informal learning opportunities through our farmers’ market education programs, off-site and evening events, website, and weekly e-letter. Our Saturday Market to Table programs present producer interviews and seasonal cooking demonstrations from distinguished chefs. We continue to hold special in-market celebrations where shoppers learn about seasonal foods and regional farming. This electronic newsletter is sent to over 6,000 recipients weekly. Under development are additional fact sheets, informative vendor signage, and new website features. Items that will help us enhance or expand our growing educational programs include:

Adobe Creative Suite
Digital video camera
Digital projector and portable slide screen
New mirrors for teaching kitchen
Hand-held microphone

Farmers’ market operations

Our Tuesday and Saturday markets are an important source of income for sellers and provide fresh local food for the Bay Area’s residents. We strive to continue to improve the farmers’ market experience for both sellers and shoppers, and will soon be introducing a new Waste Wise Market program. To this end, our needs include:

Fire-resistant propane storage cabinet
Industrial hand trucks
Additional folding tables and folding chairs
New tent covers
Stacking flatbed tilt carts for transporting supplies
Industrial shop vacuum
Replacement (and additional) A-frame signs for conveying market information

Administration

As our staff and volunteer base grow, so do our administrative support needs. To help accommodate this growth, we need:

Updated computer work station
Laptop computer
Paper cutter for 17” paper

If you are interested in making an in-kind contribution of any of the items described above or would like to see our more extensive wish list, contact Executive Director Dave Stockdale at 415.291.3276 x107, or dave@cuesa.org.

You may make cash contributions online, or mail them directly to CUESA, One Ferry Building, Suite 50, San Francisco, CA, 94111.

Thank you for considering a gift to CUESA!

Topics: ,