LEBANON, Connecticut
June, 2000

Pride's Corner Farms, Inc. of Lebanon, Connecticut, innovators of the Solution Series and Hardy New American Garden, formed an unprecedented partnership with Easter Seals of Connecticut on May 24, 2000. Prides Corner Farms' herb program, known as Sara's Superb Herbs and nurtured by the Prides' philosophy of being a beneficial member of the community, is the focus of the alliance between the charity and the nursery. Prides Corner Farms is a wholesale nursery providing the most diversified selection of container grown plant material in the Northeast including woody shrubs, ornamental trees, perennials, ornamental grasses, fruit plants, and roses. Their sales area stretches from northern Maine to as far south as mid-Virginia and as Far West as Pittsburgh, including every point in between. Sara's Superb Herbs, the newest product offered by the Prides' team, features big, beefy, one-gallon pot-sized plants in 30 varieties with complete point-of-purchase materials including large, specialized labels, a 16-page brochure on harvesting, use, garden design, and making herbal remedies, and a companion website. This unique partnership is highlighted throughout the materials.

This is the first time a product line like Superb Herbs has been presented to the consumer with a charity partner as an integral part of the plan. This is not a short-term campaign. It is a long-term partnership with Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks in Hebron, Connecticut, a barrier-free camping experience for children and adults with disabilities. Prides Corner is responsible for administrating the program and distributing funds, removing the retailer from cumbersome paperwork and record keeping. In addition, Prides Corner makes this charity partner a focus for their employees.

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The proximity of Hebron to Lebanon makes it possible for the employees of Prides Corner to become involved with Camp Hemlocks and to make it a part of their lives by providing friendship, volunteer time, plants, and gardening expertise in a much more than superficial "write-the-check" relationship.

Denise Hornbecker, Vice President of Development and Public Affairs for Easter Seals of Connecticut, Inc., describes Camp Hemlocks as "a place that brings out the kid in everyone no matter if they are 6 or 96. Campers enjoy swimming, boating, playing computer games, climbing walls, having cookouts, and taking a turn around the dance floor". Located on 160 acres on the shores of Jones Pond, Camp Hemlocks serves the people of Connecticut as a residential camp open to all ages and abilities. Similar camps providing accessible recreation opportunities are available throughout the nation. For more information, contact www.easter-seals.org.

At the reception and signing of the agreement between the charity and the nursery on May 24th, Prides Corner Farms, Inc. President and owner, Mark Sellew, described the partnership as "a milestone for Prides Corner". He said, "This is what every business strives for-being able to give back, make an impact, and make a difference for other people." Easter Seals of Connecticut, Inc. President, John R. Quinn, added, "this partnership assists Easter Seals in carrying out its mission, which is to create solutions that change lives for children and adults with disabilities and their families."