*(Photo of the 2015 fundraiser courtesy Chris Schwalm)*

Fresh produce, breads, baked goods and sour green beans from Number One Sons are amazing things to have easy access to every weekend in the summer.

We get that with the Petworth Community Farmers Market on 9th Street NW from May through November due to the hard work of a bunch of crazy volunteers who spend their time making sure the market gets its permits, get vendors and gets open on time. You can help make that happen at their fundraiser on April 25th at Chez Billy (3815 Georgia Ave NW).

The Market is hosting their Annual Silent Auction Fundraiser on Monday, April 25th from 6:30pm – 9:30pm. You need to buy tickets ahead of time to attend, but they're only $15 for one, or $25 for 2. You can buy your tickets to attend the event online at EventBrite. Featuring a ton of gift certificates, products and other goodies from local Petworth businesses, 100% of the money that is raised will go into running the market. (Here are pictures from last year's fundraiser.)

"This annual fundraiser is a very important part of what we do at the Petworth Community Market board of directors," said the Market's board chair Lauren Anderson. "The funds we raise at Chez Billy will make sure that we can continue to grow the market and create a fun, healthy space for all of our neighbors. Specifically, the money raised will help support not only PCM events and part-time market staff, but will also fund our Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) bonus and match program. This is a vital part of our commitment to making sure that all members of the Petworth community have access to local, fresh, healthy food and products. Your support and donations at this fundraising event, along with during the market season, go to this goal. It's part of our mission and we hope you can come support this worthy cause. Plus, you get to hang out with pretty awesome people."

What to expect:
Silent Auction–with lots of one-of-a-kind items and events
Door Prizes–including gift certificates to local stores and restaurants
Drink Specials–happy hour all night
Fantastic Neighbors–from Petworth and beyond

Tickets Options include:
- One Admission Ticket (includes 2 door prize tickets): $15
- Pair of Admission Tickets (includes 4 door prize tickets): $25
- Add a PCM 2016 Limited Edition T-Shirt at a discounted price of $15!

Tickets sold in advance and at the door. *Buy in advance for bonus door prize ticket*.

So head over to Chez Billy's on the 25th, place a bid on an awesome thing and support everything awesome the Market offers. More info on their Facebook Event page and the Market's website.

The Market opens on May 7th, 9am - 1pm and then every Saturday after that though November. You'll find plenty of food and produce, as well as goods from local vendors. Each week they feature events that are great for the entire family including live music, storytelling, cooking demos, and more. They also do WIC/SNAP matching to help everyone enjoy the fresh food. What's not to like?