A group of lions is called a pride. Within the pride, each lion or lioness has particular responsibilities to the herd’s success. Females are the hunters and cub-rearers; while the males defend their territory. Pride can come in all forms, and spans many definitions and theories — but the pride David Garcia has for his south side barrios is a testament to the power of community.
Garcia, Founder and CEO of Barrio Restoration, is akin to the king male lion, protecting his territory (and in turn, his pride) one rake and shovel at a time.
“I saw a need in my hood,” said Garcia, reflecting on the origins of his business. “Trashed areas, grass hadn’t been cut in years. Using my lowrider bike and homemade trailer, I loaded up my tools and boom box and I got to work.”
The unique facet of Barrio Restoration is the robust citizenry effort. It was his South Tucson neighbors who saw him cleaning, they’d encourage him, and soon they joined him. “Eventually, I was able to quit my job,” Garcia added. “I’ve been two years self-employed and doing good in the hood.”
Garcia knows his business is booming, but he’s also aware of areas where his organization can grow. Enter Naturopath Physician, Dr. Heather Moroso, who lives and works in the City of South Tucson. Moroso approached Garcia with an opportunity to be the beneficiary of her annual birthday celebration.
“Barrio Restoration is literally grassroots, with a mission to keep Tucson’s south side beautiful,” said Moroso. “Supporting passionate organizations is important to me.”
From 6 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, that’s exactly what she and her friends at Eco Gro Plant Nursery and our spunky sister company, Tucson Doobie, are aiming to do.
Together, they’re throwing a party at Eco Gro with all proceeds benefitting Garcia and Barrio Restoration — and the ultimate goal of raising enough money to enroll Garcia in Watershed Management Group’s Water Harvesting Design Course and Certification.
This training is a 45-hour intensive series aimed at providing Garcia with the tools and knowledge needed to implement rainwater harvesting practices in Tucson’s south side.
The event is taking place at Eco Gro, 657 W. St. Mary’s Rd.
For a $10 donation (100% of proceeds directly benefitting Barrio Restoration), guests can shop vendors, peruse the weird and wonderful plants of Eco Gro, enjoy tasty food, watch flame throwers, partake in cannabis in an adult-only area, and listen to beats by DJ Lab Munkz.
Again, the event is happening from 6 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 27 and the following food trucks and vendors will be joining in on the fun:
This family-friendly event is one of many events Eco Gro hosts annually. “Bringing the plant community together is our first love,” owner Brendan Woltman of Eco Gro added. “We’re hoping everyone shows up to help us send Barrio Restoration to Rain School!”
It takes a community, and a lot of pride, to transform neighborhoods for the better. With a group of like-minded folks coming together on Saturday, January 27 to uplift one of their own, this fundraiser will make a lasting impact on the barrios in Tucson’s south side.
The Barrio Restoration fundraiser is happening at Eco Gro, 657 W. St. Mary’s Rd. For more information about Barrio Restoration, and to see if you qualify for landscaping services, visit barriorestoration.com.
In addition to events, Eco Gro offers free classes on the weekend and expert plant advice anytime. Follow them on Instagram. Dr. Heather Moroso’s medical practice offers many services and classes, follow her on Instagram, too. And, last but not least, follow Tucson Foodie’s spunky sister company, Tucson Doobie, on Instagram.
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