WEST CHESTER – State Senator Andy Dinniman recently joined volunteers from the Brandywine Valley Water Garden Tour in presenting a check for $14,000 to the Chester County Food Bank.

“The 2012 Brandywine Valley Water Garden Tour was a major success,” Dinniman said. “I want to thank all of the volunteers and residents who opened up their homes to share with us their picturesque ponds, winding streams and lush gardens.”

The funds were raised through ticket sales to the annual pond tour and barbeque dinner, as well as proceeds from the silent auction. Now in its ninth year, the Brandywine Valley Water Garden Tour offers an opportunity to visit the homes of local residents and neighbors who have created beautiful waterscapes in their backyards. The tour benefits the Chester County Food Bank and Gleaning Program, which supports local food banks and provides fresh, healthy foodstuffs to those in need.