August at Greentopia: A Bridge, a Garden, and a Community in Bloom
August has been a big month for Greentopia — from lighting up the night sky at Dinner on the Bridge to seeing our gardens bounce back in full bloom, we’ve been reminded once again of the power of community to transform spaces and lives.
Dinner on the Bridge: An Unforgettable Night 🌉✨
What a night! Dinner on the Bridge returned in full style, and the energy was undeniable. Guests gathered on the newly renovated Pont de Rennes, starting the evening with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres from Avvino, and smooth jazz by Jimmie Highsmith.
The highlight? A surprise marching band leading us into a dazzling laser light show in the gorge — a crowd favorite that had everyone smiling. Add in our spirited auction led by Joe Lomonaco from iHeartRadio, and the night truly hit every note.
Most importantly, the evening raised vital funds for our Green Visions program and helped spread the word about the future High Falls State Park. Mission accomplished — and what a celebration it was!
📸 We’d love to hear from you! If you attended Dinner on the Bridge, what was your favorite part of the evening? Share your memories in the comments below.
Garden Update 🌸
It’s been a tricky season for the Green Visions flower gardens — a soggy spring followed by summer heat — but resilience is what we do best. Thanks to the dedication of our crew, blooms are thriving again, and we’re excited to announce that a U-Pick is coming in September! Keep an eye on your inbox for the official invitation.
Even more exciting: Spectrum News recently featured Green Visions in a story that aired across New York State. The reporter spent time with our team and participants, shining a light on how the program empowers young adults through the beauty of urban gardening. Link to story here.
Coming Up: ROC the Riverway Weekend 🌊
Mark your calendars for September 26–28 — it’s ROC the Riverway Weekend! From Lake Ontario to Genesee Valley Park, this citywide celebration will showcase the history, beauty, and vitality of the Genesee River. Expect hikes, bike rides, paddles, tours, and more.
Greentopia is planning something special for the weekend — stay tuned for details in September! In the meantime, you can learn more about the event here.
Thank You 💚
From the bridge to the gardens, none of this is possible without you — our community of supporters who believe in transforming spaces and creating opportunities. Every donation fuels the work of Green Visions, directly impacting the lives of young people in Rochester.
