The Portland Trail Blazers and Fred Meyer tipped off a summer-long community service project this afternoon at Woodlawn Park Community Garden with a program designed to educate children and volunteers about gardening and nutrition, as well as advocating organic alternatives.

To commemorate the inauguration of the program, a ceremonial planting of kohlrabi, cucumbers and marigolds was completed by Zari Santner, Director of Portland Parks & Recreation, Judi Luchsinger, Fred Meyer Community Relations Coordinator and Antonio Harvey, former player and current radio analyst for the Trail Blazers.

“The Trail Blazers are very excited to partner with Fred Meyer in support of Portland Parks and Recreation in their efforts to offer program s that not only give children a chance to learn about health and nutrition, but provides them with unique, hands on experience working in a garden,” said Trail Blazers Vice President of Community Relations Traci Rose, “We look forward to the harvest in the fall and engaging the kids in the rewards of growing locally."

Following the ceremony, hosted by Trail Blazers ambassador Todd Bosma with a little help from mascots Blaze the Trail Cat and Fred Bear, guests were treated to healthy snacks, tours of the garden, and a demonstration on preparing refreshments with ingredients straight from the garden.

Throughout the summer, Trail Blazers and Fred Meyer employee volunteers will return regularly to assist with the maintenance of the garden. A late summer harvest event with the Trail Blazers, Fred Meyer and Portland Parks & Recreation will feature Harvey in the role of celebrity chef, serving up produce grown in the garden over the summer.