If we learned anything from this fall’s storms, it’s that positive change can flow from formidable challenges. That is certainly the case here at Selby Gardens, where we are forging ahead with unwavering resilience in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by these major storms, and the Gardens were certainly not immune from the effects. Our remarkable staff and volunteers got us back up and running quickly, while Helene and Milton only served to heighten the need to move boldly forward with Phase Two of our Master Plan.
As you know, the Master Plan is designed to enable all the great work Selby Gardens does, from cuttingedge research to captivating exhibits such as George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life running from February 9 to June 25.
Inside this issue of The Sanctuary, you can read about the Phase Two plan, which will enhance ourDowntown Sarasota campus, secure our resiliency efforts, and expand our important work. We couldn’t do it without you, our loyal supporters, who have made it possible for us to already raise 66 percent (or $40.3 million) of our Phase Two goal – and $103 million overall for our three-phase Master Plan.
We are especially grateful to a visionary Selby Gardens trustee who, while choosing to remain anonymous, stepped forward to make a transformational commitment of $15 million to support Phase Two.
And speaking of gratitude, permit me to give a little shout out to my husband Rob and sons Luke and Noah. They definitely qualify as Beatles experts, and their input paved the way for the exciting Harrison exhibit, one we foresee having global appeal. A number of months ago, my boys informed me that George was a major gardener, something I hadn’t known. That prompted me to explore the topic, and I learned how gardening was such a major component of his fascinating life.
I know you will enjoy reading more about this exhibition through the perspective of Dr. David Berry, our brilliant chief museum curator. You can also read about the amazing wine collection at The Green Orchid by Michael’s On East, courtesy of Michael’s On East co-proprietor Michael Klauber; the sensational performance staged recently by Artist in Residence Patti Smith (whose exhibition A Book of Days is on view at our Historic Spanish Point campus and who will be back in February for an evening dedicated to George Harrison); and much more.
Meanwhile, thank you for your steadfast support – and see you in the Gardens!
Cheers,
Jennifer O. Rominiecki, President and CEO