Poetry Takes Root: Celebrating Our 501c3
WHAT TO EXPECT
Poetry Takes Root brings poets, artists, readers, and friends together for an afternoon of live poetry readings, music and performances, tarot readings, writing games, community-donated prizes, wine available for purchase, and opportunities to support Berkeley Poetry Festival.
FEATURED POETS
Emcee: Leticia Hernández-Linares
Poet Performances by Natasha Dennerstein • Jennifer Hasegawa • James Cagney
Emcee: Leticia Hernández-Linares
A SAMPLE of FEATURED PRIZES
Purchase prize tickets during the fundraiser for opportunities to take home exceptional experiences, original artwork, books, gift certificates, and other community-donated offerings.
A POET’S DINNER FOR FOUR
A small feast celebrating offerings from earth, sky, and sea, with spice and surprise drawn from braided cuisines. Each course will be accompanied by a poem and served with gusto and wine pairing with each course
Donated by Annice Jacoby • Estimated value: $8000 www.annicejacoby.com
SIXTY-SIX CHICKENS BY VINCE MONTAGUE
An original head bust made of ceramic and poetry.
Donated by Vince Montague • Estimated value: $400
Learn more: vincemontagueart.com • Instagram: @vincemontague
MOUNTAIN POEMS HIKE
Spend a morning hiking and reading poems on the Seaview Trail in Tilden Regional Park with poet Judy Halebsky and ecologist and writer Joey Knelman. Participants will read poems by mountain ascetics and traveling poets while learning about the ecology of the East Bay hills. The hike will cover approximately four miles and include elevation gain.
September 19, 2026 Limited to 12 participants • Value: Priceless and $220
Learn more: judyhalebsky.com • livingsoillab.org
More prizes will be announced soon.
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
Funds raised through Poetry Takes Root support artist payments, accessible programming, festival production, community-rooted literary events, new partnerships, and year-round programming. Growing our resources means growing what is possible: more artists, more events, deeper partnerships, and more ways for people to encounter poetry.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Line Supporter — $25
Stanza Supporter — $50
Chapbook Supporter — $75
Collection Supporter — $100
Epic Supporter — $250
Opus Supporter — $500
Sponsors will be recognized online, in event materials, and during the fundraiser. To sponsor the event or contribute a prize or in-kind donation, email theberkeleypoetryfestival@gmail.com.
VOLUNTEER
Help us welcome guests, prepare the space, share donation information, distribute prizes, photograph the celebration, and make Poetry Takes Root a joyful community event. Volunteer roles include the welcome and door team, setup and cleanup, donation collection, prize assistance, and event photography.
To volunteer, email theberkeleypoetryfestival@gmail.com.
LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION
Donkey & Goat Winery
1340 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
The winery is in West Berkeley, five blocks east of the Gilman Street freeway exit. North Berkeley is the nearest BART station. Please allow additional time for travel and parking. Carpooling, biking, rideshare, and public transportation are encouraged.
ACCESSIBILITY
Donkey & Goat Winery is wheelchair accessible and offers accessible parking, restrooms, and seating. For accessibility questions or to request an accommodation, contact theberkeleypoetryfestival@gmail.com in advance.
ADMISSION
Free and open to the public. No ticket or RSVP is required for general admission. Donations are warmly encouraged, and guests may purchase prize tickets during the event.
QUESTIONS?
theberkeleypoetryfestival@gmail.com
COME CELEBRATE POETRY & COMMUNITY!
