The Commons Center for Food Security and Sustainability invites the community to celebrate connection, gratitude, and resilience at its 5th Annual Gala in the Garden: Under the Harvest Moon on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 p.m. at The Commons, 501 E. 13th Street, in Silver City. The annual fundraiser will feature delicious catered food, local drinks, live music, a silent auction, and an evening in the beautiful gardens, with proceeds supporting The Commons' mission to cultivate food security, self-sufficiency, and sustainability in Grant County.
This year's gala is presented in loving memory of Alex Olsen and Martyn Pearson, whose generosity and dedication have left a lasting impact on Grant County. This year's theme, Under the Harvest Moon, is a celebration of gratitude and abundance of community. Traditionally associated with the gathering of the harvest, the Harvest Moon serves as a symbol of the shared work of nourishing our neighbors and cultivating a more resilient future together.
A commons is something held in trust by everyone and owned by no one, a place sustained because people choose to care for it together. That idea is both The Commons' namesake and guiding principle, reflecting the organization's belief that lasting food security is built through community.
As demand for food assistance continues to rise in Grant County and across New Mexico, this year's Gala in the Garden provides an opportunity for the community to invest in proven solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term food security. Funds raised directly support The Commons' programs including the Choose Your Own and mobile food pantries, food systems education through the demonstration gardens and commercial kitchen, youth programming, and volunteer engagement.
Over the past year, support from donors, volunteers, and community partners has helped The Commons:
Distribute more than 300 tons of food to over 5,000 Grant County residents.
Provide more than 800 hours of youth education through the community kitchen, gardens, and Youth Conservation Corps programming.
Engage a network of more than 50 dedicated volunteers
Support local food entrepreneurs through the community kitchen
Supporting the Gala in the Garden helps The Commons feed, teach, grow, and connect here in Grant County, allowing the community to harvest a future of food security and self-sufficiency.The community is invited to attend, become a sponsor (starting at $250), donate an item to the silent auction, or purchase tickets ($45 each).
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, please visit www.thecommonsgrantcounty.org , email
575-388-2988.
