Opening Night Party
at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show
February, 2014, Date/Time TBA
Washington State Convention Center, Seattle
Guests enjoying the 2013 party.
The Northwest Flower & Garden Show returns February 2014, and once again the Arboretum Foundation will kick off the show with its annual Opening Night Party. Guests will enjoy a fabulous evening of delicious food, fine wines, live music, and silent auctions, and the opportunity to view the beautiful display gardens at the Flower Show the day before it opens to the public—all while helping us raise important funds to support Washington Park Arboretum.
Volunteering at Opening Night
Seattle’s most elegant garden party could never be a success without the help of our valued and hard-working volunteers! If you’re interested in helping out at the 2014 Opening Night, please email our Volunteer and Outreach Manager Randall Hitchin or call him at 206-577-1147.
The 2013 Party
More than 500 guests joined us for the 25th annual Opening Night Party on February 19, 2013, and helped support the Arboretum. In keeping the “Silver Screen” theme of the 2013 Garden Show, the party captured some of the magic and glamor of Hollywood. Guests strutted their stuff on the red carpet, posed for paparazzi, gossiped with celebrities (real and not-so-real), and enjoyed seeing their favorite movies come to life in 23 fabulous show gardens.
Marilyn posing for the paparazzi with guests.
Seattle mayor Mike McGinn and friends enjoying the 2013 Opening Night Party.
Superstar gardener Ciscoe Morris was the guest emcee for our auction Fund-A-Need, which raised more than $10,000 for the Arborist and Tree Care Program. Ciscoe also made a cameo appearance in a short film presented to guests about the important work that staff arborists do in the treetops of the Arboretum. Patron and Benefactor guests enjoyed a lively tour of the gardens in the show with author and designer Billy Goodnick.
Thanks to all of you who came to the party and supported the Arboretum. A special thanks to our event sponsors; the many individuals and businesses who generously contributed to our auction; and our amazing volunteers!
For more photos of the 2013 party, visit our Facebook page.
Silent Auction
Regional wine is always a popular item at our party auction. (Photo by Team Photogenic)
Opening Night always includes a silent auction in the South Lobby, featuring such enticing items as local dining experiences, wine from regional cellars, and unique experience and getaway packages.
Summer experiences
We still have some spaces available in three unique summertime experiences offered in the silent auction.
- Chef’s dinner: Enjoy a meal prepared by one of Seattle’s finest chef’s, Peter Levine, at the fabulous home of Beth Bryson Morgan on Friday, July 12. (Value: $125 per person.)
- Guided fern hike: Take a guided hike along the Perry Creek Trail in the Cascade Mountains with local fern authority, Judith Jones, on Saturday, July 13. Lunch included. (Value: $75 per person.)
- Wildflower adventure: Join experienced hiker Paul Smith on a day-hike through the Esmerelda Basin to view meadow wildflowers in peak bloom. Lunch included. (Value: $100 per person.
Read about these wonderful experiences in detail. For more information or to make a reservation, email Sheila Beer or call her at 206-325-4510.
2013 Sponsors
Thanks to the following for making Opening Night possible!
