Austin, TXWhole Kids Foundationraised more than $113,000 through their annual Give Bees a Chance campaign,according to a press release.The money supported the foundation’sBee Grant Program,allowing it to donate 56 educational beehives to schools across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, affecting 28,000 children.

The money was raised in part throughbee-inspired fundraising dinnersin Oakland, Houston and Atlanta, which were hosted by celebrated chefs, including two contestants from Bravo TV’sTop Chef. Whole Kids Foundation supplier partners contributed $91,750 to the campaign; Once Upon a Farm, Horizon Organic, Cascadian Farm, KIND Snacks and Honest Tea were lead sponsors.

Whole Kids Foundation also hosted the Give Bees a Chance Family Fest in Austin, TX, on June 2 to celebrate bees and other pollinators with free, hands-on activities and learning opportunities.

Families interested in learning more about bees can visit the Whole Kids Foundationwebsite for information and kids activities.

Nona Evans, president and executive director of the foundation, said in the press release: “We are so grateful to our chef partners, to the more than 200 bee dinner attendees, to our donors and to the generous sponsors who made this year’s Give Bees a Chance campaign a success. These funds will provide thousands of kids with opportunities to understand, engage and learn from bees. Ultimately, we believe these experiences will encourage kids to take an active role in protecting the natural world around them.”

The release noted that Whole Foods Market covers all of the foundation’s operational costs, allowing 100% of donations to support the Bee Grant Program.