Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Selected for National Garden Bureau Therapeutic Garden Grant
The Medical Center was a finalist and the winner of a $1,000 grant
The National Garden Bureau, along with program sponsors American Meadows, Ball Horticultural Company and Sakata Seed America announced the five therapeutic gardens receiving grants and in-kind donations totaling more than $7,500. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center was selected as one of five finalists from a pool of 22 applicants. After a two-week voting round, the Medical Center was selected as a runner-up and was awarded a $1,000 grant.
“Our horticultural therapy program and on-site greenhouse provide both healing and enjoyment to our long-term care residents which is unique to Bergen New Bridge,” said Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “I am incredibly proud of our team that provides this popular program to our residents and am glad to see this well-deserved recognition from the National Garden Bureau and their corporate partners which will enable us to continue to provide a high-quality therapeutic experience.”
This announcement marks the tenth year that the National Garden Bureau has provided much-needed resources for worthy therapeutic gardens. This funding allows these gardens to continue, and even expand, their good work for deserving clients.
National Garden Bureau, American Meadows, Ball Horticultural Company, and Sakata Seed America would like to recognize all grant applicants that participated this year. All are listed on the NGB website. NGB encourages support of these and other therapeutic gardens by industry, local communities, and individuals.
The judges who read all the applications and narrowed them down to the five finalists deserve a huge thank-you. Those judges are:
- Patty Cassidy, Vice President of the American Horticultural Therapy Association
- Barbara Kreski, Retired Director, Horticultural Therapy, Chicago Botanic Garden
- Alicia Green, Buehler Enabling Garden Coordinator, Chicago Botanic Garden
- Isabel Fuenzalida, Culture & Organizational Development, Sakata Seed America
- Mike Lizotte, Owner/Managing Partner at American Meadows
- Mark Gross, Corporate Giving, Ball Horticultural Company
