Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden staff and students of its BioTECH @ Richmond Heights High School botany magnet joined Kendall Toyota and Lexus of Kendall staff on Sept. 30 for the unveiling of a donated Toyota Sienna minivan.
The vehicle was donated to help Fairchild with its environmental outreach initiatives. As part of its education programs, Fairchild staff members often travel to schools, bringing their garden activities straight to the classroom to make learning more accessible. They also travel back and forth between the BioTECH campus in Richmond Heights and Fairchild’s Coral Gables location. The Toyota Sienna will help them transport the necessary educational materials to students and teachers who may not be able to visit Fairchild directly.
The unveiling, which took place in the picturesque Bailey Palm Glade, was led by Chris Roberts, president, and Lori Bean, owner of Kendall Toyota and Lexus of Kendall. In attendance to receive the donation were Fairchild’s director of education Amy Padolf, director of corporate affairs Leslie Bowe, chief operating officer Nannette Zapata, BioTECH teacher Thad Foote, and BioTECH students visiting Fairchild to conduct field research.
“We understand what education is to all of us,” Roberts said at the ceremony. “This is a small token of appreciation for what you all do.”
Fairchild expressed gratitude for the contribution.
“Organizations thrive on great partnerships,” Zapata said.
The generous and continuing support of donors, companies, and corporations is essential to operate and maintain Fairchild’s work in conservation, science, and education.
If you are interested in supporting Fairchild, contact Leslie Bowe at 305-667- 1651, ext. 3338, or by email at lbowe@fairchildgarden.org.
