Awbury’s Arbor Day event will highlight floral, and personal, growth

Awbury Arboretum will host to Arbor Day event on Saturday that celebrates not only the growth of its collection of flora, but that of individuals with special needs.

Working with My Place Germantown, an organization committed to providing permanent housing for men with special needs, the Awbury Arboretum Association’s staff has planned an Arbor Day Garden Fair to raise awareness of both organizations.

Food, live music and activities for children are planned for the free, day-long event, and curious attendees will be offered walking tours of the Arboretum.

Several local businesses and restaurants have also offered gift certificates to be raffled to support the organizations.

Working with La Salle

Students at La Salle University helped organize the event as part of a project for a public-relations class.

Working directly with staffers of both organizations, students coordinated and promoted the event through press releases, social media and flyers.

“Many people in Northwest Philly don’t know these two places exist, especially My Place Germantown,” said Andrew Gourlay, a senior involved with promotion. “This event will attempt to make the surrounding community aware.”

Gourlay added that the organizations share a similar goal of growth.

“My Place Germantown is growing men and getting them back on their feet,” he said, “while Awbury highlights growth from an environment view.”