Encinitas CA— Join hundreds of local business leaders, Garden supporters and local residents for San Diego Botanic Garden’s 16th annual Gala in the Garden on Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 5-9:30 pm.
The 2015 Presenting Sponsor is Olive Hill Greenhouses and this year’s theme is “Deep Roots…Growth & Gardens,” which commemorates the origins of the Garden, its foundation in the community and its bountiful growth throughout the years. The recipients of the Paul Ecke Jr. Award of Excellence, which is bestowed annually at the Gala, are Tony and Sue Godfrey, owners of Olive Hill Greenhouses, which has grown, as the Garden has, through strong connections and engagement in the community.
The Godfreys started Olive Hill Greenhouses in 1973, and the operation has since grown into one of the state’s largest interior plant producers, with two greenhouses spread over 18 acres in two Fallbrook locations. Tony and Sue have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to quality, innovation and sustainable practices and have planted deep roots in our community with their meaningful involvement in the San Diego County Farm Bureau, San Diego County Flower & Plant Association and their long-time, generous support of San Diego Botanic Garden. Throughout its growth, Olive Hill has remained a family affair, with the Godfreys’ daughters, Denise and Kristina, as well as Denise’s husband, Will, all playing a part in the company’s success.
“The Godfrey family exemplifies the important role family-owned businesses have historically played, and continue to play, in building a vibrant and sustainable horticultural community in San Diego County. Tony and Sue have been staunch advocates of San Diego Botanic Garden and so many other local organizations, and we are delighted to recognize their dedication to our continued growth and mission to inspire people of all ages to connect with plants and nature,” says Julian Duval, President and CEO of San Diego Botanic Garden.
Gala in the Garden is San Diego Botanic Garden’s largest annual event. Guests have the opportunity to explore our garden trails, enjoy fine wine, craft beer, and the best dishes from local restaurants, as well as listen to live entertainment, and view exquisite floral designs. Renowned florist and Gala Artistic Director René van Rems will once again lead a team of local floral designers to create lavish floral displays for the evening. On average, more than 10,000 stems are used to create these magnificent displays. Garden Trustee and Former Board Chairman Jim Ruecker will return as the Gala Committee Chair.
For more information about Gala in the Garden or sponsorship opportunities, please call 760/ 436-3036 x218 or visit SDBGarden.org. Tickets to the event are $175 per person through August 21 or $200 per person after August 21. Tickets are available online at SDBGarden.org/gala.
About San Diego Botanic Garden
Open 364 days per year and set on 37 acres in north coastal San Diego, the mission of San Diego Botanic Garden is to inspire people of all ages to connect with plants and nature. The Garden has more than 4,000 plant species and varieties, gardens representing 15 different regions of the world, 12 demonstration gardens, and the largest bamboo collection in a public garden in North America. In addition, the Garden features two children’s gardens: Seeds of Wonder and Hamilton Children’s Garden, the largest interactive children’s garden on the West Coast. The Garden also regularly offers classes covering many topics including certification classes covering popular plant varieties, water conservation, fire-safe landscaping, hands-on flower and plant arranging, art in various media, and cooking. In 2014, more than 232,000 people, including residents of San Diego County and tourists from all over the world, visited the Garden. For more information, visit SDBGarden.org.
San Diego Botanic Garden is a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization.