Nearly 400 guests attended the Arboretum Foundation’s all-new Botanical Bash gala at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival on Friday, February 21. The event raised about $150,000 in support of our core horticulture and education programs at the Washington Park Arboretum.
Instead of a formal, sit-down dinner, this year’s gala was an after-hours dance party on the show garden floor, set among 20 stunning horticultural displays. Guests included long-time Foundation supporters, show garden creaters, horticultural educators and influencers, and all-around gardening fans.
It was joyful, groovy, flower-filled fiesta! Our guests sipped drinks, mingled, immersed themselves in the beautiful blossoms and foliage, and eventually boogied down. Legendary local DJ Marco Collins knew exactly what songs to play to warm up the crowd, and by the end of the night the dance floor was hopping.
Our wonderful event volunteers roamed the show garden floor throughout the evening, engaging guests to participate in our online auction, raffle, and raise the paddle.
Briefly, Foundation Board President Maribeth O’Connor took the DJ mic and introduced Joy Hollingsworth, District 3 Councilmember and the chair of the Seattle Parks and Recreation Committee. Ms. Hollingsworth spoke of the power of parks and open spaces to impact the health of our community—and she even performed a little lite rap extolling the wonders of the 206.
Thanks to everyone who attended the event and supported the Arboretum! Special thanks to our volunteers, auction donors, and event sponsors.
PHOTOS: Alabastro Photography
