The University of Wyoming’s Agricultural Community Resources for Everyday Sustainability (ACRES) held its third annual Dance for Plants fundraiser Saturday night in the Laramie Railroad Depot.
The event helps fund the student farm and its activities, including summer internships and a greenhouse project.
ACRES President Jordan Pierson said that the main goal of the night was to, “raise as much money as we can and have a good time.”
The Dance for Plants featured $4 beer donated by Cheyenne and Laramie Brewing, Altitude Chophouse and Brewery, Coal Creek Tap and Black Tooth Brewing. The event also had a raffle that gave attendees the chance to win prizes donated by local businesses: The Herb House, Bath and Body Works, Jeffrey’s Bistro, The Knothole, The Great Untamed, Atmosphere Mountain Works, Pedal House, Anong’s Thai Cuisine, NU2U and Sweet Melissa’s.
When it was time to get community businesses involved in the fundraiser it came down to using past connections.
“We went through our old list for the businesses and just asked for the manager and luckily a lot of people donated again,” said ACRES Vice President Ela Piskorstei.
Along with the raffle the event also featured live music from Sean Hess, The Woodpile and Wynona.
“I think it’s a good thing for ACRES and the community,” said Sean Hess, the first performer of the night. “It gets people involved.”
An hour into the event, approximately 80 people were in attendance with additional foot traffic.
“This one I think is especially important because I know ACRES is trying to get a greenhouse which would help them to work year round,” said attendee Courtney Titus.
People attending the event also noticed and appreciated the venue.
“I like that it’s down in the Depot,” said M.C. Howser. “It kind of opens it up to the community and it is in this cool place.”
Attendees understood what they were helping to raise money for and that this will help ACRES move their greenhouse project along.
More information about the student farm and its events is available at UWyo.edu/uwacres/.
