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Heifer Urban Farm Fest

Amanda Seevers invites guests to a “sneaker casual” evening showcasing the Heifer Urban Farm and Heifer International’s support of agriculture in The Natural State

By Jillian McGehee | Photography by Sara Reeves | Hair by Lauren Mitchell with Fringe Salon | Makeup by Tess Wilmans-Higgins with Winc by Beauty Geek | Wardrobe from Scarlet | Lawn games created by Victor “Bubba” Mahan and Cody Lasley 

Special thanks to Director of Facilities Management & Global Properties Tom Spinnato – along with Chris Wyman, John Michael Byrd and Travis Delongchamp – who coordinated the details + logistics of our Heifer International Global Headquarters visit.

There aren’t many Capital City fundraisers that actually encourage guests to wear sneakers and casual attire. Farm animals typically aren’t a part of the program either, but when Heifer International is involved, these things aren’t as surprising. Amanda Seevers invites patrons to join the fun at the inaugural Heifer Urban Farm Fest and experience the wonder of the garden at the organization’s global headquarters.

Hosted the evening prior to Feast in the Field, young professionals are encouraged to come explore the Heifer Urban Farm and enjoy authentic, classic lawn games. Both events are part of Heifer International’s Beyond Hunger campaign celebrating family farming around the world with an emphasis on projects in The Natural State. Proceeds benefit local agriculture and economic development in Arkansas communities, specifically New South Produce Cooperative and Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative.

According to statistics from Heifer International, average revenue per farmer last year increased 7 percent for New South Produce Cooperative and 25 percent for Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative. New South provides produce to 450 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shareholders. Grass Roots serves nearly 650 direct-to-consumer customers with national distribution. These cooperatives also reflect the high percentage of women farmers as well as farmers from a diverse ethnic background.

Amanda explains that since Feast in the Field is well established with limited capacity and can be cost prohibitive for young professionals, organizers created an event that’s both appealing and affordable for this younger demographic. She serves on the Urban Farm Fest committee and her work at Cranford Co. helped conceptualize this evening of casual fun.

The dress code is “sneaker casual,” Amanda notes, “because we want guests to come and play at the farm.” The team at Heifer Urban Farm constructed lawn games as well as a mini-golf course and a five-foot version of the game Connect Four. Local food trucks, libations from Rock Town Distillery and Rebel Kettle Brewing and music by Brown Soul Shoes complete the festivities.

Amanda promises it will be “love at first sight” for anyone who hasn’t visited the Heifer Urban Farm. “I really care about it and believe it deserves an infinite amount of exposure. Who doesn’t love being in the presence of adorable farm animals and a beautiful garden? The event itself has a really charming element of outdoor play that I think will resonate well with young professionals.”

At its global headquarters in downtown Little Rock, Heifer International’s philosophy of ending poverty and caring for the Earth blend seamlessly into its educational programming partnerships throughout Arkansas.  “Additionally, the Heifer Urban Farm is a resource for the Central Arkansas community in a lot of ways,” Amanda says. “From demonstrating sustainable, eco-friendly practices at the farm itself to providing workshops that are often free to the public, I know Heifer’s impact will continue to evolve and prosper.”

Inviting Arkansas

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