The Community Garden Charitable Fund invites you to its eighth annual Soiree under the stars at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, at Pinecrest Gardens.
Visitors to the Gardens rarely have the chance to experience its magic by moonlight. On this night, however, guests will have the unique opportunity to enjoy the Gardens’ breathtaking beauty as they meander along the banyan pathways to the terrace overlooking historic Flamingo Lake, where music, cocktails, wine and delicious hors d’oeuvres will await.
The Soiree features a silent auction highlighted by an NCL Cruise for two and trips for two to Umbria and Jamaica. Every dollar raised from the silent auction directly benefits horticultural improvements to Pinecrest Gardens.
Guests then travel through the hardwood hammock to the meadow for an Asian-inspired dinner and a phenomenal dessert bar, where the evening ramps up with dancing to the classic sound of The Click rock band.
The Garden Fund was the brainchild of Karen Mashburn, a community activist and master gardener. Back in 2007, she created The Fund with the help of local attorney Paul Sasso and several concerned citizens who wanted to restore the site of the original Parrot Jungle, then recently purchased by the Village and re-named Pinecrest Gardens.
Prior to the purchase, the property languished and fell into disrepair, only to be further damaged by hurricanes shortly after the purchase. Village budgetary constraints limited what could be done to restore the Garden to its original glory.
The group envisioned what an effective fund-raising organization could accomplish with proceeds dedicated to repairing and cleaning up the grounds and replanting the native and exotic species.
Their dream has been realized in so many ways. Since its inception, the Garden Fund has raised thousands of dollars and put the money back into the Garden. The tree canopy is filled with orchids, the Colonnade section revitalized and a lovely hidden garden with a decorative mosaic pathway has been added, as well as a pathway and seating in the hardwood hammock. A lush rainforest grotto flourishes in the lower garden, landscape improvements and replantings have been completed in the western perimeter of the Banyan Bowl and an area adjacent to the terrace. The most recent additions include a Founders’ Wall bench that accompanies the Founders’ Wall, and completion of the Caribbean Hammock Garden.
Tickets are $125, tables of 10 are $1,100 and include an open bar, wine, appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, entertainment and a silent auction. The Soiree is a sell out event every year and seating is limited. To reserve your seat or table or to make a donation, call 305-669- 1028 or order online at www.GardenFund.org.
