Happy Holidays to all our members and supporters. With the new year quickly approaching we have some exciting news to announce. In February, Sweetwater will be celebrating 20 years. We began with seven members and an idea to build something special for our community, where people working together could grow great food and children could come to re-connect with and see how their food is grown. Since these humble beginnings over 20,000 children have visited our farm, we have grown our farm to 6 acres of production and now serve more than 300 members. Our Sunday Market, Tampa’s first, has a become a mainstay in peoples lives, with a great live Music Series and loyal vendors who together, add to the Sweetwater magic.
We have two important announcements we would like to share with you. One is that Sweetwater has purchased the farm property from me, to insure that Sweetwater can continue long into the future. This is an important step that I have always envisioned. An equally important step is that Andrea Harms, who many of you already know, has agreed to become our next Executive Director. I am so honored and proud to have Andrea succeed me in this critical role. We are fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated person leading our organization. I will not be going anywhere. With my new title as Founder, I will be focusing on mentoring our farmers, continuing to participate on our Board of Directors, and most of all enjoying the work of our young and talented staff as I sit down to a Sweetwater meal as I have done for the last 20 years.
So please welcome Andrea in her new role as we all look forward to the next 20 years of Sweetwater magic. Thanks to all of you for your vital support in making this all possible and for being part of our “Farmily”…
Happy Holidays.
In deepest gratitude,
Rick Martinez