Organic Remedies Donates $20,000 to Support PA Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Families

November 20, 2024November 20, 2024 by Organic Remedies

Organic Remedies, a medical marijuana cultivation and research organization based in south central Pennsylvania, has raised $20,000 to support the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC). The PBCC is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting breast cancer survivors and their families across the state through educational programs, legislative advocacy, and funding for breast cancer research.

Organic Remedies raised funds during its annual October Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, collecting in-store donations from patients and by donating a portion of the proceeds from select Organic Remedies medical marijuana products. The company presented the $20,000 donation to the PBCC on Nov. 19, 2024, at its dispensary in Enola, PA. This marks the third consecutive year Organic Remedies has raised $20,000 to support the PBCC.

The Organic Remedies team presented a donation of $20,000 to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition at its medical marijuana dispensary in Enola, PA on Tues., Nov. 19, 2024.

“Breast cancer affects thousands of women and their families in Pennsylvania each year,” said Mark Toigo, CEO of Organic Remedies. “We are proud to support the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition in helping women currently battling breast cancer and hope that our contribution can help advance the research to find a cure for this tragic disease.”

As part of its campaign, Organic Remedies also showcased a special "pink" light show at its cultivation facility in Carlisle, designed to raise awareness of breast cancer. The “Take Your Top Off for Breast Cancer” light show used LED lights from the cultivation process to create an impressive pink display each Sunday in October, drawing attention to the cause and generating additional donations.

“We are truly grateful to Organic Remedies for its significant contribution to our mission,” said Jennifer Pensinger, Executive Director of PBCC. “More than 14,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Pennsylvania this year alone. This generous donation will allow the PBCC to provide free care packages, personalized patient advocacy, educational programming, and breast cancer research grants across the state. Thank you, Organic Remedies, for bringing us closer to our ultimate goal of finding a cure for breast cancer now… so our daughters don’t have to.”

In addition to its fundraising campaign, Organic Remedies coordinated a collection of clothing, jewelry, scarves, and other items for Pink Hands of Hope, a nonprofit thrift shop in Mechanicsburg that provides donated items to individuals battling breast cancer. Organic Remedies successfully collected more than 70 bags of donated items.

Several other local medical marijuana dispensaries joined the effort, with Justice Grown Edwardsville, Justice Grown Dickson City, and Bloc Dispensary in Bethlehem partnering with Organic Remedies to help raise funds for the PBCC and spread awareness.

Cancer is one of the 24 qualifying conditions approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for medical marijuana therapy. Many women undergoing treatment for breast cancer have found relief through Organic Remedies’ products.

Organic Remedies Donates $80,000 to Support PA Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children

October 17, 2024 by Organic Remedies

Organic Remedies, a medical marijuana cultivation and research organization based in south central Pennsylvania, has raised $80,000 to support the Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. PA CASA is a state-wide nonprofit whose mission is to grow, strengthen, and unite local CASA programs so they can ensure the overall safety, well-being, and forever home of every child who has been impacted by abuse and neglect in Pennsylvania.

Through supporting the existing network of affiliated local CASA programs, building new CASA programs, as well as providing training, technical assistance, and continuous quality improvement, PA CASA improves outcomes for children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect.

Left to right: Rick McBride, OR Facilities Manager; Kelly Light, PA CASA Board Member; Mark June Wells, OR, Chief Science Officer; Jennifer DeBalko, PA CASA, Pres./CEO; Tammy Royer, OR, COO; Mark Toigo, OR CEO; Ryan Simpson, OR CFO; Mary Werdebaugh, OR Dir. Community Outreach; Eric Hauser, OR President; Trevor Brandt, PA CASA Chief Communications Officer

The company’s third annual fundraising golf tournament, held Sept. 6 at the Carlisle Country Club, raised funds through golf registrations and other golf activities. More than 100 golfers, including business partners and other medical marijuana industry representatives, participated in the golf outing to raise funds for PA CASA. This year’s contribution of $80,000 surpassed the amount raised last year by $20,000. The donation was presented to the organization Oct. 16, 2024 at Carlisle Country Club in Carlisle, Pa.

“No child living on this earth should ever have to fear their life at home, questioning whether they will eat that day and/or be abused by family members. We are proud to support PA CASA in aiding children and giving them the chance to have a better life. We hope that our contribution can advance training and create new programs to help children secure a safe and permanent home,” said Mark Toigo, CEO, Organic Remedies.

"We are more than grateful for Organic Remedies and their significant contribution to support our mission ‘to grow, strengthen, and unite local CASA programs so they can ensure the safety, well-being, and forever home for every abused and/or neglected child in Pa.’ With 21 local programs serving 32 counties across the state, there is still much work to be done, and this donation will go a long way in advancing our training and creating new programs in Pennsylvania,” said Jennifer DeBalko, CEO and President, PA Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. “Thank you, Organic Remedies.”

Organic Remedies Raises $15,000 for Speranza Animal Rescue

September 17, 2024September 17, 2024 by Organic Remedies

Organic Remedies, a leading medical marijuana organization, proudly announced today that it has raised $15,000 for Speranza Animal Rescue during its month-long Dog Days of Summer campaign in August. Speranza Animal Rescue, a non-profit and 100% volunteer-run organization, is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused and neglected animals, with the ultimate goal of finding them loving forever homes.

Located on a sprawling 17.5-acre farm in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Speranza Animal Rescue provides a nurturing environment for animals in need, including pit bulls, other bully breeds, and farm animals that have been destined for slaughter or faced the threat of euthanasia. The rescue center offers these animals a second chance at life, providing them with proper nutrition, shelter, exercise, and top-notch veterinary care, including long-term medications when necessary.

Organic Remedies hands check to Speranza Animal Rescue

Speranza Animal Rescue's commitment to saving the most vulnerable animals aligns closely with Organic Remedies' values. The medical marijuana organization, known for its dedication to patient care, raised funds for Speranza through cash donations from patients and by donating a portion of the proceeds from select product purchases.

Eric Hauser, President of Organic Remedies, expressed his pride in the dispensary teams for their exceptional efforts in supporting Speranza Animal Rescue. "We are extremely proud of our dispensary teams who went over and above to help generate funds to support Speranza," said Hauser. "Speranza's mission to help abused and neglected animals is near and dear to our hearts, and we are honored to help this amazing organization. Our sincere thanks go out to our loyal patients for their tremendous generosity during our Dog Days of Summer campaign."

Mikki Clark, Events Coordinator, Speranza Animal Rescue, expressed gratitude for the partnership with Organic Remedies. "We are so thankful for our partnership with Organic Remedies," said Clark. "Their efforts to raise funds for our organization have been tremendous, and we are extremely grateful for their support. The funds raised will go a long way in helping us care for the precious animals at Speranza. We operate entirely on the help of volunteers and donations, and Organic Remedies' contribution will help provide food, shelter, and medical supplies to our four-legged residents."

The check presentation ceremony took place on September 13, 2024, at the Organic Remedies Dispensary in Enola, Pennsylvania. The event marked the culmination of Organic Remedies' successful fundraising campaign and highlighted the organization's commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Organic Remedies and Speranza Animal Rescue extend their heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to this important cause. Together, they are making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected animals, providing them with hope and a chance for a brighter future.

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About Organic Remedies
Based in Carlisle, PA., Organic Remedies cultivates, manufactures, and dispenses safe, effective medical marijuana products for certified PA patients. OR is advancing medical marijuana therapies through genetics, collaborative research, and superior patient care. Specially trained pharmacists and patient care consultants deliver a clinical approach for the utilization of medical marijuana that is patient-focused, collaborative and outcomes based. Dispensaries are located in Chambersburg, Enola, Paoli, N. Pittsburgh, S. Pittsburgh, and York.

About Speranza Animal Rescue:
Speranza Animal Rescue is a non-profit, 100% volunteer-run rescue, rehabilitation center, and sanctuary located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused and neglected animals, with a focus on pit bulls, other bully breeds, and farm animals. Speranza's mission is to provide these animals with a safe and loving environment, as well as the necessary medical care, until they find their forever homes. speranzarescue.org

What Happens When a Marijuana Company Commits to Being Green

April 17, 2024 by Organic Remedies

Reported in the Pittsburgh City Paper, April 17, 2024

By Leigh Frank

First in the Industry Carbon Neutral Certification

We’ve all heard the saying “The grass is greener on the other side.” This is probably quite true for many of us; however, when you are a medical marijuana company with the name Organic Remedies, being green is imperative.

Organic Remedies, a medical marijuana cultivation and research organization based in Carlisle, PA, along with six dispensaries in Pennsylvania, was recently officially certified carbon neutral by Carbonfund’s Carbonfree Certification Program.

Organic Remedies CEO Mark Toigo says, “Our name tells our story. We are Organic Remedies, and we strive to maintain organic farming practices during every phase of the cultivation and manufacturing of our products. Protecting our planet Earth is important to our patients, to our employees, and for the benefit of future generations.”

Organic Practices Earn Praise from Employees and Consumers

“As a young man, at the age of 16, I participated in our nation’s first Earth Day. Now, at 70, the choices I make regarding their impact on our environment are even MORE critical,” shared Organic Remedies’ patient Andrew. “As a patient at Organic Remedies since its opening, I’ve seen the company’s efforts, over the years, to impact the environment as little as possible. Now that they have achieved carbon neutral status, it shows the company’s commitment to the communities they serve, as well as our planet.”

Organic Remedies has employed organic farming practices since the facility opened in 2020. They use recycled rainwater, collected off their greenhouse roof through piping and captured in an aquafer for reuse when watering the plants. This leads to a facility with no runoff. Additionally, greenhouses are naturally low-energy users because natural light is used year-round. Lighting is used at certain times of the year and nighttime.

Zero pesticides are used to cultivate their plants, and they only utilize bio-controls to manage unwanted pests through an integrated pest management system. The company captures CO₂ from the boiler to enhance plant health; when the boiler heats during the day, CO₂is captured and pumped into the greenhouse.

They have also planted thousands of trees on their surrounding property.

In addition to farming practices, Organic Remedies is also working to reduce waste by offering its products in biodegradable bags and recyclable packaging.

“Organic Remedies’ commitment to environmental sustainability is important to me and the cannabis community itself,” expressed Matthew, an employee at the Bethel Park Organic Remedies Dispensary. “It preserves longevity for the environment and the company. We do better by spending less and wasting less.”

Organic Remedies’ Carbonfund carbon neutral certification is Pennsylvania’s first in the industry. Carbonfund is leading the fight against climate change by helping individuals, businesses, and organizations to reduce and offset their climate impact. Through its rigorous assessment, Carbonfund determined Organic Remedies generates 1626.5 tons of CO₂ which will be offset through global forestry projects.

A Responsibility to the Environment and Patients

At the end of March 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Health revealed that there are 440,949 active cardholders, and 9,203 active caregivers with medical marijuana licenses. Additionally, there are 180 operational dispensaries, while Organic Remedies account for six of those; their products are sold at many other dispensaries.

Toigo added, “As one of the leading medical marijuana organizations in PA, we understand our responsibility is to not only produce quality products but also to do so in a way that does not harm the environment. We have always cultivated our plants through natural, organic farming practices.”

Logan, an employee from the Chambersburg Organic Remedies, is proud to work for a company that delivers on prioritizing the environment, “It’s important to me that Organic Remedies not only delivers top-notch products but also prioritizes educating others about sustainability. Our efforts to become carbon neutral and to raise awareness about environmental issues show a genuine dedication to making a positive difference, which I deeply appreciate and support.”

Awareness and Education are Keys to a Greener Future

Organic Remedies is also passionate about raising awareness and educating clients and employees on the benefits of environmental sustainability.

To celebrate Earth Day, on April 20, the company plans to raise awareness and green the planet by offering a free wildflower seed giveaway at all dispensary pop-ups. Starting as just a small seed, wildflowers pack a significant environmental wallop, including significant factors of soil health and pollination!

Additionally, the company works to educate others through its website and social media platforms. Darius, employed at the Paoli Dispensary, enthusiastically appreciates this outreach, “educating ourselves to be sustainable is a no-brainer! Our actions have an impact, and understanding how they impact others and our environment is extremely important to me, as I want a planet where future children can see green trees and blue skies.”

Matthew, from Bethel Park, is happy to have the knowledge to help educate consumers, sharing, “I have the resources to educate myself and others about the positive environmental direction that the company is heading towards.”

To learn more about Organic Remedies Carbon Neutral Certification and their other environmentally sustainable educational resources, please visit www.OrganicRemediesPA.com.

Read original article here: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/what-happens-when-a-marijuana-company-commits-to-being-green-25801871

Organic Remedies Honors U.S. Veterans Laid to Rest at Pennsylvania Military Cemeteries

December 29, 2023 by Janice

Company’s Wreaths Across America Fundraising Campaign Generates Sponsorship of More Than 3,700 Wreaths

CARLISLE, Pa. (Dec. 20, 2023)- Organic Remedies, a medical marijuana cultivation and research organization based in south central Pennsylvania, raised more than $32,000 in support of Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit that purchases live Remembrance wreaths for veterans laid to rest at national and state military cemeteries. The funds raised sponsored more than 3,700 wreaths for veterans’ graves at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, and Philadelphia National Cemetery.

The company’s WAA six-week fundraising campaign included a strong grassroots effort through letters and calls to donors and cash donations collected at Organic Remedies’ dispensaries across the state. In addition, Organic Remedies contributed a portion of the proceeds of select OR brand products, available in medical marijuana dispensaries across PA.

“I am so proud of our entire OR team for getting behind this noble cause,” said Organic Remedies CEO Mark Toigo. “We understand the tremendous sacrifice our veterans have made to preserve our freedom. It is heartwarming to see the passion we all have to honor and remember those who gave their lives for our country. We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to our vendor partners, grower/processor partners, and especially our loyal patients for their overwhelming support throughout this campaign.”

Not only did Organic Remedies support WAA through fundraising efforts, but also through encouraging employees and patients to attend National Wreaths Across America Day, Sat. Dec. 16, to place Remembrance wreaths on the graves of veterans at the three cemeteries. Through OR’s efforts, 334 volunteers registered through the company’s website to attend the ceremony and lay wreaths on veterans’ graves. When each wreath is placed, the service member’s name is said out loud, ensuring their memory lives on.

Organic Remedies Topical Balm with Shannon Ye

October 2, 2024December 14, 2023 by Janice

Learn more about Organic Remedies' Topical Balm as Shannon Ye, Pharm. D. explains how to use this pain relief product for sore and aching muscles.

Frank L. Kresak

November 27, 2023 by Janice

Frank L. Kresak • Army • 1929 – 2023 • Korean War • My pappap ❤️ A very loving husband, father, pappap, and great-grandpa. Always ready to help his family however, whenever, and wherever. He’s resting with his loving wife at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

$20,000 Donated to Support PA Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Families

November 22, 2023 by Organic Remedies

We are proud to support the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition in helping women currently battling breast cancer.

CARLISLE, Pa. (Nov. 22, 2023)- Organic Remedies, a medical marijuana cultivation and research organization based in south central Pennsylvania, has raised $20,000 to support the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. PBCC is a local nonprofit that supports and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy, and breast cancer research grants.

Organic Remedies’ month-long campaign in October raised funds through in-store donations offered by patients and by contributing a portion of the proceeds from select Organic Remedies brand medical marijuana products. The company presented PBCC a $20,000 donation on Nov.21 at the PBCC headquarters in Lebanon, Pa. This is the second consecutive year that Organic Remedies has contributed $20,000 to the organization.

“Breast cancer affects thousands of women and their families in Pennsylvania each year. We are proud to support the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition in helping women currently battling breast cancer and hope that our contribution can help advance the research to find a cure for this tragic disease,” said Mark Toigo, CEO, Organic Remedies.

During its fourth annual campaign, Organic Remedies also provided a “pink” light show at its cultivation facility in Carlisle. The “Take Your Top Off for Breast Cancer” light show generated breast cancer awareness and increased donations. The company’s LED lights, used in the cultivation of medical marijuana, created an impressive display in the night sky several weekends during the month.

“We are truly grateful to Organic Remedies for its significant contribution in support of our mission,” said PBCC Executive Director Jennifer Pensinger. “More than 14,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Pennsylvania this year alone. This gift will allow PBCC to provide free care packages, personalized patient advocacy, educational programming, and breast cancer research grants across the state. Thank you, Organic Remedies, for bringing us closer to our ultimate goal of finding a cure for breast cancer now… so our daughters don’t have to.”

Cancer is one of 24 qualifying conditions approved by the PA Department of Health for medical marijuana therapy. Many women undergoing breast cancer treatment are finding relief through products available at Organic Remedies. For more information on medical marijuana therapies for those battling breast cancer, expert pharmacists are available for free consultations at all Organic Remedies dispensary locations.

$62,250 Donated to PA CASA at this year’s Golf Tournament

November 22, 2023November 21, 2023 by Organic Remedies

Funds Raised During Company’s Second Annual PA CASA Golf Tournament Support the Important Work of the Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children

CARLISLE, Pa. (Nov. 21, 2023)- Organic Remedies, a medical marijuana cultivation and research organization based in south central Pennsylvania, has raised $62,250 to support the Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. PA CASA is a state-wide nonprofit whose mission is to grow, strengthen, and unite local CASA programs so they can ensure the overall safety, well-being, and forever home of every child who has been impacted by abuse and neglect in Pennsylvania.

Through supporting the existing network of affiliated local CASA programs, building new CASA programs, as well as providing training, technical assistance, and continuous quality improvement, PA CASA is able to improve outcomes for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

The company’s second annual fundraising golf tournament, held Sept. 15 at the Carlisle Country Club, raised funds through golf registrations and other golf activities. More than 100 golfers, including business partners and other medical marijuana industry representatives, participated in the golf outing to raise funds for PA CASA. This year’s contribution of $62, 250 nearly tripled the amount raised last year. The donation was presented to the organization Nov. 3 at Carlisle Country Club in Carlisle, Pa.

"We are more than grateful for Organic Remedies and their significant contribution to support our mission ‘to grow, strengthen, and unite local CASA programs so they can ensure the safety, well-being, and forever home for every abused and/or neglected child in Pa.’ With 21 local programs serving 28 counties across the state, there is still much work to be done, and this donation will go a long way in advancing our training and creating new programs in Pennsylvania,” said Jennifer DeBalko, CEO and President, PA Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. “Thank you, Organic Remedies.”