From the South Buffalo Metro Source
SOUTH BUFFALO - With breathtaking scenery surrounding you, you can dine in a beautiful, natural setting on Fri. Sept. 27 as the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens holds its sixth annual Gala at the Gardens.
Commencing at 6:30 with a cocktail hour in the Palm Dome this one-of-a-kind event promises to mix the beauty of the gardens with fine dining and a live auction with unique auction items to make a truly memorable experience.
“We invite the community to join us for the celebration of this great historic and architectural treasure of Western New York,” said Mary Ann Kresse, co-chairperson of the event, “The community’s support gives emphasis to the value and importance of the unique public/private partnership that preserves the Gardens’ integrity and future and allows the Botanical Gardens to flourish and grow as we continue to provide visual and educational botanical and horticultural enlightenment,”
The co-chairs for the event, Mary Ann Kresse and Dr. Maria Rita Andaya, are joined by Honorary Chairs Ed Dore of Dore Landscaping Associates in the promotion of the evening. An expected 300 people will be in attendance for the Gala and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
The live auction with Cash Cunningham will include items such as a trip to San Diego with hotel, airfare, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail on the Stars and Stripes America’s Cup sailboat; a private tour of the Hotel at Lafayette with developer Rocco Termini that includes an overnight stay and dinner certificate; and a luxury suite at the Roycroft Inn in East Aurora with dinner. Basket and silent auctions will also be available during the evening.
Proceeds from the evening will help to enhance the exhibits and educational programs and advance the Gardens’ goal to become the horticultural hub of WNY.
A Mission Auction will be held during the night will all proceeds directly benefitting the free educational programs for Buffalo Public School children. Last year this portion of the event raised nearly $10,000 for the benefit of area children. Gifts won at this portion of the event ranged in value from $250 to $1000.
“Just as we have moved forward the operation of the Botanical Gardens, which the Botanical Gardens Society assumed in 2004, we are growing the Gala, our largest fund raising event, to sustain and independently preserve this unique and treasured cultural, historic, educational treasure for and by the community,” stated the Gala’s co-chairperson, Mary Ann Kresse.
Cocktail attire is recommended for the Sept. 27 Gala. Individual tickets for the event are $150. Tickets and sponsorship information can be obtained by calling 827-1584 ext. 203 or visiting the Botanical Gardens at 2655 South Park Ave.
The Gala promises to be an evening of friendship and beauty in a venue long held to be one of the areas most treasured locations.