Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This holiday season marks my one-year anniversary at Kennett Collaborative. This past year has been an extraordinary journey, and as I reflect on our accomplishments, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support we’ve received from the community.

At Kennett Collaborative, we believe in the power of placemaking, not only as a means to make Kennett Square the most beautiful town in America but also as a way to foster a sense of togetherness. Our placemaking initiatives include spring and summer plantings uptown and holiday decor in the winter—especially our Christmas in Kennett partnership with Longwood Gardens that includes the town’s 20-foot Christmas Tree.

We tried something new this year and invited members of Spade and Trowel Garden Club to forage the greens for the planters. We really mean it when we say the holiday greenery is locally sourced! Members gathered tree trimmings and clippings from homes and gardens across the greater Kennett area, turning our planters into vibrant displays that not only look beautiful but also tell the story of this town and the diverse people who call it home.

Our programs and events throughout the year are another part of that story of what it means to be in Kennett Square. In 2023, thousands of people joined us for our weekly KSQ Farmers Market, Third Thursdays on State Street, the Memorial Day Parade, Kennett Brewfest, Winterfest, Summerfest, the Holiday Light Parade and Kennett Holiday Village Market. We really had so much fun together!

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support we’ve received. This past year, our funding came from a variety of sources, each of them important: nearly 70% was earned income from programs and events, 12% came from corporate sponsorships, 9% from unrelated business income, 6% from municipalities, and 4% from individual donors. We’ve strived to stretch every dollar and maximize our impact on Kennett Square. Financial stewardship is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am proud to report that we have used each contribution wisely to enhance the quality of our programs, events, and placemaking initiatives.

I also want to thank our volunteer Board of Directors for their invaluable commitment and guidance to drive our mission forward. And I want to highlight our incredible staff. Over the past year, we’ve worked diligently to rebuild our team structure, and I am immensely proud of the supportive environment we have cultivated. Each team member plays a crucial role in our shared mission, and their dedication is evident in the impactful work we accomplish together.

Thank you, Kennett Square, for a remarkable year of growth. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful community and look forward to many more years of collaboration and success.

Gratefully yours,
Daniel Embree
Executive Director
Kennett Collaborative