MO’S CAROUSEL AT THE GARDENS

Photos by Doug Hoke

Mo’s Carousel a New Permanent Feature for the Gardens

The lights are on and the music is playing with the opening of As the donation was finalized, Lee Allan Mo’s Carousel at Myriad Gardens. Smith stepped up to raise operating funds Dozens of honored guests gathered by coordinating and securing sponsorship of Wednesday, September 19 to officially each of the carousel figurines from private dedicate the newest addition to the Gardens donors. Smith, who has been a champion while enjoying festive fare and free rides. of the Gardens from its beginning, also THE HISTORY OF MO’S CAROUSEL LaDonna and Herman Meinders, longtime AT MYRIAD GARDENS supporters of the Gardens. They chose to honor their friend and executive administrator, With the closing of Crossroads Mall/Plaza Mayor Mall in south Mo Grotjohn for whom the carousel is named after. Oklahoma City, owners Michael Dillard and Roddy Bates had a carousel on their hands that needed a new home. When Oklahoman business reporter Steve Lackmeyer learned of the situation, he got in touch with Maureen Heffernan, executive director Mo’s Carousel includes everything from its previous location, excluding the blue and white canopy top. It features hand-carved wooden horses and figurines from the Allan Herschell Company which at one time was the most prolific makers of carousels in the country. of the Gardens, to suggest the Gardens as a possible venue for the carousel. Heffernan reached out to Dillard and Bates who ultimately offered to donate the carousel to the Gardens because the Gardens had the perfect location – the covered pavilion near The addition of Mo’s Carousel contributes to the evolution of the Gardens as Oklahoma City’s award-winning green space and urban park. It also will serve as a revenue source to help support Myriad Gardens Foundation. Carousel donors Roddy Bates and Michael Dillard, owners of Crossroads Mall, with Oklahoman reporter Steve Lackmeyer. the Children’s Garden. facilitated a naming opportunity with

Carousel donor Bob Burke and his family celebrate the inaugural ride of Mo’s Carousel at the donor reception. DONOR LIST

DONORS OF THE CAROUSEL FROM CROSSROADS MALL Michael Dillard and Roddy Bates

MAJOR GIFT DONORS LaDonna and Herman Meinders in honor of Mo Grotjohn

(Pictured with his wife Jacque)

CAROUSEL FIGURINE DONORS LaDonna and Herman Meinders Ad Astra Foundation American Fidelity Foundation Mo Anderson BancFirst Bob Burke Inasmuch Foundation Josephine Freede Shahnaaz and Ronnie Irani Don Karchmer Sherri and Bill Lance Robert H. Meinders Midtown Renaissance & Hall Capital Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. Lee Allan Smith Becky and Barry Switzer Donna & Blake Wade