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Updated February 3, 2010
Arboretum Foundation Celebrates 75th Anniversary!
The Arboretum Foundation was founded in 1935, once year after the Washington Park Arboretum was officially established. This year marks the 75th year that the Foundation has provided vital support to Seattle's beloved Arboretum. Help us celebrate our anniversary by volunteering at the Arboretum, attending one of our plant sales or events, making a donation, or becoming a member. Arboretum Foundation members enjoy world-class publications and other special benefits, including exclusive preview access to our legendary annual plants sales, discounts at the Arboretum Shop, and more. On Friday, June 11, we will host a party to celebrate our milestone year. Please join us!
Gateway to Chile Fundraising Complete!
In December 2009, the Arboretum Foundation completed a year-long campaign to raise funds for the Gateway to Chile, the next display to be created as part of the Pacific Connections Garden. Thanks to the generous support of many private donors, we reached our goal of $425,000, and now our City and University partners have the resources they need to move ahead and plant the garden this year. Situated at the southern intersection of Arboretum Drive and Lake Washington Boulevard, the garden will restore the now-overgrown Holmdahl Rockery and create an eye-catching display of colorful Chilean plant species. A special thanks to Campaign Co-chairs Lynn Garvey and Kathy Fries for leading the efforts, and to all our patrons, friends, and colleagues who worked us to make this happen. For more information about the campaign, email our Director of Major Gifts Initiatives, Julia Maywald.
Design rendering of the new Gateway garden
(courtesy The Berger Partnership)
Foundation Mourns Passing of John Behnke
The Arboretum Foundation wishes to acknowledge the passing of community leader and longtime friend of Washington Park Arboretum, John Behnke. A former president and CEO of Fisher Broadcasting (owners of KOMO-TV) and an award-winning broadcaster, he was a champion of community-based programming. He was also a tireless public advocate, serving on the boards of such organizations as Children’s Hospital Foundation, Seattle Goodwill Industries, and Seattle Rotary. John was a member of Arboretum Foundation Board of Directors from 1996 to 2004, and served as our Board President from 1996 to 1998. He also served as a member of the Arboretum and Botanic Garden Committee and was a longtime member of Arboretum Foundation Volunteer Unit 52, the “Couple’s Unit.” During his tenure on the Board, John was a driving force in moving the Arboretum Master Plan towards adoption. He and his beloved wife Charlotte also gave generously to the Arboretum. Recently John and Charlotte gave $100,000 towards Phase I of Pacific Connections, which included $25,000 towards the Pacific Connections Endowment Fund. John died on October 9, 2009, aged 82, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Board Adopts Formal Position on New 520 Bridge
Over the past year, the Foundation has continued to advocate on behalf of Arboretum interests in the debate over the replacement of the SR 520 floating bridge. In September, our Board of Directors adopted a formal statement entitled Guiding Principles and Priorities for 520 Expansion, outlining the Foundation’s position and requesting that any proposed design plan for the bridge minimize environmental impacts on the Arboretum and preserve its historic features and collections. State lawmakers are expected to recommend a design plan for the bridge to the Legislature in January 2010. For more details, click here.
A sweet ride: Arboretum gardeners with their new Club Car
Foundation Donates New Maintenance Vehicle to Arboretum
In October 2009, the Foundation was pleased to donate a 2009 Club Car Turf 252 to the University of Washington Botanic Gardens. The new zero-emissions electric utility vehicle will be shared by both the University and Seattle Parks and Recreation grounds crews at Washington Park Arboretum. Foundation Board President Barbara Wright officially presented the vehicle to UWBG Director Sandra Lier at our Board of Directors meeting on October 21. Funds for the new Club Car were raised at the auction that took place during our 2009 Arbor Eden Preview Gala, co-chaired by Sabra Contreras and Judy Phillips. The value of the vehicle plus accessories is $9500. Stewardship of our beautiful Arboretum will be greatly enhanced by the new Club Car. Thanks to all our generous auction donors who made the acquistion possible!
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