Residents can vote for Wings of Change in cash grant program

FALLBROOK – Wings of Change, a nonprofit based in Fallbrook, has been nominated for the Harrah's Resort SoCal All-in 4 Change cash grant program. Harrah's Resort Southern California is celebrating the seventh year of its unique "All-in 4 Change" cash grant program by giving lucky local nonprofits a chance to earn a share of $150,000. Voting for the 2022 program opened Aug. 15 and ends Aug. 29.

Wings of Change is committed to educating the community on the importance of incorporating native plant species in order to fulfill its main mission of providing critical habitat for butterflies, moths, and pollinators. They are re-introducing now endangered native plant species such as White Sage and Willowy Mint, providing the biodiversity needed to support butterflies as well as other native species. It helps to provide a balanced landscape, which improves drought- resistance, and fire-safety.

Not only do these native plants require less water, but also attract and provide critical habitats for all our native species. Butterflies and moths serve as important keystone species in the ecosystem, next in importance after honeybees. They are an important food source for various other species including birds, frogs, and toads among other animals.

Director Stephanie Holbrook said, "Together, we can be the Wings of Change. Please consider supporting our nonprofit to learn, grow and change together by voting for us." Votes are tabulated to count for 50% of the overall scores to win an "All-in 4 Change" grant. The remaining 50% of the score is determined by a committee at Harrah's Resort SoCal, who will judge based on predetermined criteria including how significantly the projects are impacting their community, their long-term objectives. and how those align with their future goals.

To learn more and vote online, go to https://harrahssocal.com/vote from Aug. 15- 29. Repeat votes are encouraged.

Wings of Change would like to procure the grant to continue its ongoing free Butterfly of the Month event that is published online and in person. It introduces a new butterfly each month and teaches people how to create a habitat by introducing the host plant(s) that butterfly species depend upon for their survival, along with education on how to sustain it in their yard. It also talks about invasive weeds each month and discusses why each plant is detrimental to the environment and how to eradicate it.