Sow & Grow Garden Party: A celebration of culinary talent, community, and collaboration
Last weekend, The Sow Project and Girls Inc. came together for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and shared purpose at the Sow & Grow Garden Party. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Girls Inc.’s nine-acre campus in the Frayser neighborhood, the event served as both a fundraiser and a powerful celebration of two organizations whose missions align to empower the next generation.
From the moment guests arrived, they were welcomed with the aroma of slow-smoked brisket, the sounds of live music and friendly chatter, and a sense of community that felt unmistakably Memphis. Guests were treated to a menu that was thoughtfully curated by chefs Ben Vaughn and Dave Krog, and brought to life by The Sow Project student chefs.
The Sow & Grow brunch showcased what happens when culinary talent meets community investment. For over 160 years, Girls Inc. nationally has equipped girls with the skills and confidence to lead. Today, their Memphis office shares their space, and their mission, with The Sow Project, which runs its free culinary job training program from the on-site kitchen.
The Sow Project offers in-depth training for its students every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, with other days reserved for immersive, hands-on learning like the brunch itself. Beyond culinary training, students receive support in financial literacy, access to mental health resources, and career readiness tools. Every part of the program is designed to prepare students for sustainable employment – and it’s working.
With a 100% job placement rate, The Sow Project graduates now hold 72 jobs in kitchens and hospitality positions across the country. At a time when nearly every industry is grappling with staffing shortages, The Sow Project stands as a model of how targeted, comprehensive workforce development can fill key gaps and change lives.
That sense of shared mission made this collaboration with Girls Inc. especially meaningful. They aren’t just neighbors – they’re partners in creating pathways to independence. Whether it’s equipping young girls to lead or preparing students for a career, both are committed to nurturing the whole person.
Proceeds from the Sow & Grow Garden Party were split between the two nonprofits, helping expand programs and deepen impact. But the real takeaway was in the connections made, the confidence built, and the stories shared around the table.
Partnerships like this one remind us that empowerment begins with opportunity – and when two missions align, the result is community at its best.