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Tenth year for Gala in the Garden

Tenth year for Gala in the Garden

Tenth year for Gala in the Garden

Published on Sep. 5, 2014

LEXINGTON, Ky.—

Tickets are now on sale for the 10th annual Gala in the Garden at The Arboretum, the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. Hosted by The Friends of The Arboretum, the fundraiser takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14.

Proceeds from this year’s gala will benefit The Arboretum Woodland Shade Garden and The Arboretum Legacy Campaign. The goal of the Legacy Campaign is to raise a total of $1.2 million for Phase 2 of the visitor center and for the establishment of an endowment for The Arboretum. In 2013, Dorotha Smith Oatts issued a challenge matching grant of $350,000 to kick off the campaign. At this time, the campaign has reached 52 percent of the goal from gifts-in-hand and pledges.

Molly Davis, The Arboretum director, said enhancement and expansion of the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center is a priority.

“We need improved space to further develop the educational programs we offer and to provide work space for our staff. Currently, our horticulturist and native plant curator are housed in the break room/kitchen area,” she said. “The plan is also to create better connections between the indoor visitor center spaces and outdoor garden areas.”

Last year’s gala raised more than $25,000 for Phase 2 of the Legacy Campaign. Davis said they hope to reach and exceed that amount through this year’s silent auction and sponsorships.

“The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is, as in past years, a generous Redbud Sponsor of the gala, and we are hugely appreciative of the college’s support,” she said.

Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and live entertainment, as well as the auction. Tickets to the Gala in the Garden are $60 each or $35 each for guests younger than 35-years-old. For tickets, call 859-257-6955.

The Arboretum was created in 1991 as a joint effort between the University of Kentucky and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. It is managed through the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.


Events Horticulture

Contact Information

Scovell Hall Lexington, KY 40546-0064

cafenews@uky.edu