D e ve l o p m e n t
In Good Company Olivia Alison, Director of Development
We are in good company. Among the philanthropists honored this past fall by the local chapter of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals are some very good friends of The Gardens. Judy and Hal Abroms, donors of the Abroms Rhododendron Species Garden, are The William M. and Virginia B. Spencer Outstanding Philanthropists of 2010. The Outstanding Civic Leaders are Becky and Bill Smith. Becky was a former docent and a long time board member. Lloyd Wilson, Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham Outstanding Professional Advisor, together with his wife Sherry, is a member of our Garden Sustainer Club. Daniel Foundation of Alabama, the Outstanding Charitable Organization, has long been one of our benefactors. Harbert Management Corporation, the Outstanding Corporate Citizen, has generously funded our education programs through sponsorship of Antiques at The Gardens. Congratulations and many thanks to these special friends for making our community a better place. May they inspire each of us to follow their lead and make a difference.
“Wow,
we love this place!” Recently, after a morning jog in The Gardens, one of our volunteers was surrounded by exuberant children visiting from Tuscaloosa. They grabbed her hand and said “Which way to the lake? Wow, we love this place!” caught up in the excitement of being on a field trip and out in nature. These students, with their sense of wonder and curiosity, are learning about the natural world, how it relates to them and their daily lives and how important it is to care for it.
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The Gardens’ fundraising events, annual appeals and membership all support our mission to teach people about nature and the environment. We would like to thank all of you who supported us last year. Your investment in The Gardens allowed us to avoid staff cutbacks and to continue our award-winning educational programs. We urge you to renew your memberships and continue your donations in this New Year. Thank you!
Rosmarinus officinalis, Dunn Formal Rose Garden