The Crown Jewel Luncheon and Presentation by Lindsay Abernethy Highlighted the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s Fall Meeting
(Featured photo: Mari Epperson, Sarah Jo Hardin, Marcy Jones.)*
The crowd was buzzing with excitement over the anticipated announcements and featured speaker happening at the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s Fall Meeting at Rosine Hall at the Dallas Arboretum.
The following is a brief summary of the day’s announcements:
Sarah Jo Hardin, Women’s Council President, welcomed everyone and announced that the Women’s Council has 542 members, many joining as friends of friends, and many more who have made new friends as members, new and long lasting, giving true meaning to this year’s theme of “Growing Friendships for 40 Years.”
Mary Brinegar, President and CEO of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society, Inc., said how delighted she was to greet everyone today and meet so many new members. She said that A Woman’s Garden, which is the only public garden in the United States conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women, is a key component of the Dallas Arboretum, and thanked everyone for their ongoing support.
Sharon Ballew presented gifts to the Circle of Honor Donors and Kathy Cothrum announced the new Perennial Society, allowing for planned giving to the Women’s Council in support of A Woman’s Garden.
Mari Epperson and Marcy Jones, chairs of today’s event, had a surprise up their sleeves … they handed out gift bags to everyone and on the count of three, the gifts were revealed– a tiara in salute to today’s theme, The Crown Jewel Luncheon, which ties into October’s A Noble Celebration, a week of events celebrating the Women’s Council’s 40th Anniversary and A Woman’s Garden’s 25th Anniversary.
Therese Rourk and Dyann Skelton, chairs of A Writer’s Garden, featuring The Right Honorable Countess of Carnarvon, author of many books including her latest Seasons at Highclere, otherwise known as the site of the filming of the hit television series Downtown Abbey, thanked honorary chairs Donna and Herb Weitzman.
The next big announcement was all about the Ruby Red Gala, chaired by Sharon Ballew with Dr. Linda Burk and Dr. John R. Gilmore as presenting sponsors and honorary chairs, which celebrated the Women’s Council’s 40th Anniversary on Friday, October 21, 2022 at the Dallas Arboretum.
Kimberly Yamanouchi, 5th Vice President – Programs, introduced Lindsay Abernethy, Director of Development, Trinity Park Conservancy. Lindsay’s very interesting presentation included information on how to become involved with the Conservancy, its future plans and the Harold Simmons Park. She gave insight on the history of the Trinity River, its path in the past and future and how we can enjoy the park today.
Afterwards, patrons enjoyed the tasty treats of the Crown Jewel Luncheon, featuring a chilled avocado soup appetizer, followed by “Chicken Royale” with creamy mushroom sauce and vegetable sides, topped off with a choice of delectable desserts, a soft center lava cake or almond tuile with fresh berries.
Learn more about the Women’s Council, how you can participate in all of these events and private member-only events, purchase tickets for the special events, at the website www.wcdabg.org
ABOUT THE WOMEN’S COUNCIL: Celebrating its 40th Anniversary.
Since 1982 the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. The support of over 500 members of the Women’s Council makes possible the continued expansion and development of A Woman’s Garden. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. www.wcdabg.org
ABOUT A WOMAN’S GARDEN: Celebrating its 25th Anniversary.
A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women. Ablaze with color in every season, A Woman’s Garden sits majestically as a living testament to the passion and vision of the Women’s Council founders and the boundless energy and devotion of its members whose commitment to creating a garden dedicated to the universal spirit of women across generations is realized in its inspired design. Our beautiful garden celebrates the power, creativity, resourcefulness, passion and unwavering commitment of the women who came before us and those entrusted with its care now, and into the future.
*Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)
