On April 4, in a ceremony held at Genesis’ Michael R. Walker Building in Kennett Square, 32 local organizations received $50,000 in grant funding from the Mushroom Festival’s Board or Directors.

This event was the 19th annual grant distribution presentation. Since 2000, the festival has given away more than $1 million.

“This April event is always very symbolic for the Mushroom Festival,” said Randy Lieberman, past president of the Mushroom Festival's Board of Directors, “because it concludes the past year's activities and acts as a kick-off for the upcoming year.

“Unfortunately, the 2018 festival was cut short by driving rain on Sunday,” Lieberman added. “No people means no money for an outdoor event like this.” Lieberman said that this year's grant money was greatly enhanced by a memorial fund set up for longtime mushroom grower and festival supporter Rich Forte.  Teri Forte and her son, Rich, Jr., were also present to help celebrate the annual giving. 

Organizations receiving Mushroom Festival grants included:

Kennett Afterschool Association  

Adult Literacy Program - Kennett Library       

Camp Dreamcatcher       

Kennett Education Foundation       

Scouting Troop 20       

Kennett Area Park Authority       

KHS Friends of Music       

SmartDrive Foundation       

PAWS for People       

Oxford Arts Alliance       

Friends Home in Kennett       

Garage Community and Youth Center       

Southern Chester County EMS       

Lighthouse Youth Center       

Kennett Fire Co. No. 1       

Longwood Fire Co.       

Chester County Women's Services       

 

Reins of Life       

Kacie's Cause       

Kennett Area Community Service       

Meals on Wheels of Chester County       

ALS of Greater Philadelphia       

Po Mar Lin Fire Company       

Historic Kennett Square       

Bournelyf Special Camp       

Canine Partners for Life       

Kennett Symphony of Chester County       

North Star of Chester County       

Avondale Fire Company EMS Division       

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania 

 Family Promise of Southern Chester County     

 Friends of Auburn Heights - 2018 Honorary Chair Grant Recipient Carla Lucas.