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WHEREAS, 2011 is the tenth anniversary of the Sprout Fund, a nonprofit that provides seed money to foster grassroots community projects, emphasizing the importance of artistic and environmental initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Sprout Fund, founded in 2001, works closely with communities and neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, and Allegheny, Fayette, and Greene counties, to give opportunities to groups and people who would not normally receive more conventional grants; and
WHEREAS, the Sprout Fund has seeded a total of 450 projects for a total value of $4 million, including 55 neighborhood murals, in addition to diverse projects such as the Conflict Kitchen, Burgh Bees, the crafters fair Handmade Arcade, and the documentary series "East of Liberty," by local filmmaker Chris Ivey; and
WHEREAS, the Sprout Fund has supported projects to make Pittsburgh more bike-friendly, providing the initial funds for BikePGH, which now boasts over 1,500 members, and has helped to produce "3 Rivers on 2 Wheels," a bike explorer's guide to our city; and
WHEREAS, the Sprout Fund has also worked to fund larger projects such as the $50,000 initiative with the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to teach children about reef conservation, and a $100,000 commission to create a signature public artwork to be installed on the Law and Finance Building on Fourth Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize the tenth anniversary of the Sprout Fund, and their commitment to the development and enrichment of the region through innovation and citizen engagement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare November 1, 2011 "Sprout Fund Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.