Our fourth annual gala fundraiser was an unforgettable evening!

We’re are beyond grateful to everyone who came out to support this year’s Gala in the Garden: Gather & Grow. Your energy and generosity turned the night into a true celebration of community. Thank you for supporting our mission to cultivate food security, self-sufficiency, sustainability in Grant County.

Thank you to all the incredible people and groups that helped make this event possible:

We truly could not have done this without your support!

This year’s event was presented in loving memory of two special people, Alex Olsen and Martyn Pearson, who touched the lives of many here in Silver City. They were heavily involved in our community, whether it was through their work at Gila Hike and Bike, coaching swim teams, or teaching culinary skills to Aldo students at The Commons. During the program, those close to Alex and Martyn shared memories of them and paid tribute to the lasting impact they made in our community.

Executive Director Iris Nolasco shared, “We all know the power of food in our lives—sometimes as the centerpiece of celebration, and too often as a resource that is scarce in our own communities. Alex understood this. Her touchpoints with The Commons included teaching culinary classes to Aldo Leopold students and hosting family movie nights. She brought together her love of food, her passion for teaching, and her gift for building community.

That spirit lives on in our mission at The Commons: ‘to cultivate food security, self-sufficiency, and sustainability in Grant County.’ This year, as we ‘Gather & Grow’ our programs and services, we dedicate the naming of our kitchen space to Alex and her beloved partner, Martyn. In their honor, we will continue cultivating a place of belonging, empowerment, and well-being.”