A few years ago, Givens Aldersgate resident Catie Webb found herself with an abundance of zucchini from the community garden. Rather than letting the produce go to waste, she turned it into homemade zucchini bread. Residents quickly fell in love with her baking, and what started as a simple way to share fresh garden vegetables soon became a much-anticipated community favorite.

When deer damaged many of the garden’s crops last year, zucchini became harder to come by. Determined to continue baking, Catie found an alternative through a connection with a local Western North Carolina organic farmer. The farmer donates oversized zucchini and other vegetables that are too large to sell commercially, giving them a second life in Catie’s kitchen and on the tables of fellow residents.

Over time, her offerings have expanded well beyond zucchini bread. Yellow squash becomes flavorful lemon poppyseed bread, while seasonal favorites such as apple and peach breads make appearances throughout the year. More recently, her cheddar garlic beer bread has become especially popular among residents.

Working from her Givens Aldersgate home, Catie carefully bakes individual four-inch loaves that she sells several times each year. For special events and fundraising auctions, she occasionally donates larger loaves that are always highly sought after.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. As one friend and fellow resident joked, “Catie is the only geriatric person who bakes bread when it’s 100 degrees outside!” The comment reflects both the humor and admiration residents have for her commitment to sharing her talents with others.

The Community Garden itself remains an important part of life at Givens Aldersgate. Resident and garden leader Jim Student helped spearhead support for the installation of a nine-foot fence to protect vegetables and flowers from deer, helping ensure the garden continues to thrive. Today, the garden features flowers, vegetables, and raised beds that residents enjoy throughout the growing season.

This year, Catie’s baking will support two important initiatives at Givens Aldersgate. During the upcoming Philanthropy & Community Engagement Committee Auction, proceeds from her bread sales will benefit the new Longevity and Brain Health Program, helping fund equipment for the future Givens Aldersgate Brain Health Studio.

In addition, proceeds from Catie’s regular bread sales throughout the year are donated to the Staff Appreciation Fund, which helps provide year-end bonuses for Givens Aldersgate team members in recognition of their dedication and service.

Catie’s story is a wonderful example of the generosity and community spirit that define Givens Aldersgate. Whether through gardening, baking, volunteering, or philanthropy, residents continually find ways to support one another and make a meaningful difference.

To support the Brain Health and Longevity Program or other Givens Aldersgate campus initiatives, visit https://aldersgateliving.org/donate/. Together, we are creating community, empowering lives, and strengthening the Givens Aldersgate community for residents, team members, and future generations.