The seventh annual Soiree at Pinecrest Gardens is quickly approaching. On Saturday, Feb. 23, the Garden Fund is hosting its annual fundraiser “Soiree in the Gardens.”
As an all-volunteer organization, all profits go directly to support the historic Pinecrest Gardens. While the organization’s initial focus was on revitalizing the botanical aspects of Pinecrest Gardens, it has expanded its efforts to educational and therapeutic endeavors.
The Garden Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been in operation since 2006, when the condition of the Gardens was far from what it is today. The Village of Pinecrest and the community has worked tirelessly over the years to improve greatly the former Parrot Jungle from the condition of its purchase in 2001.
If you have not been there recently, you may not recognize the place. The revitalization of various areas, rehabilitation of the original entrance, new well and irrigation systems, new plantings, and mosaic pathways are just a few of the many things that have happened over the years. Many of these things have been made possible in large part by the Garden Fund’s annual Soiree fundraiser.
The Garden Fund has proposed the rehabilitation of an educational conservatory at significant cost as well as an extensive renovation to a 3,500-square-foot section that will be known as the Caribbean Hammock, and work on it will begin soon.
The Soiree is the biggest and most lucrative fundraiser of the year, and because it is a rare nighttime affair in the Gardens, it has become a highly anticipated event. This year’s fete will include appetizers and a silent auction on the terrace, an open bar courtesy of Bacardi USA, wine courtesy of Whole Foods of Pinecrest, the raffling of a one week cruise donated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, a multi-course dinner and decadent dessert extravaganza, while enjoying a live short performance by City Theatre and live music for an unforgettable night at Pinecrest Gardens.
This year, Norwegian Cruise Lines has donated a one week cruise for two which is being raffled at the event, and can be used on any of its ships and/or itineraries. As an innovator in cruise travel with a 46-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of “Free Style Cruising,” it is set to unveil two new 4,000-passenger vessels, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, under construction for delivery in April 2013 and January 2014. The Norwegian Getaway, will be the largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami and will sail Eastern Caribbean voyages beginning in February 2014. This will be an exciting addition to the Garden Fund’s 2014 raffle.
Ticket prices are $125 per person, and tables of 10 are offered at $1,100. For information or to purchase tickets, go to www.gardenfund.org, or call 305-669- 1028. All proceeds from the Soiree will directly benefit Pinecrest Gardens.
