Co-Chairs
Nora Johnson and Pauline Wamsler
cordially invite you to
Cocktails at the Cottage
celebrating the new exhibition
New Feet Within My Garden Go: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson
at the Historic Spanish Point campus
Thursday, November 19, 2026
5 to 8 p.m.
Garden Cocktail Attire: Optional White Dresses in honor of Emily Dickinson
Enjoy a casual evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres overlooking Little Sarasota Bay at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus. Watch the sunset and preview our new exhibition New Feet Within My Garden Go: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson. A selection of Dickinson’s best-known, nature-inspired poems will be sited throughout the Historic Spanish Point campus. Accompanying the poems will be illustrations by artist Abby Wright and photographs of pages from Dickinson’s own herbarium, featuring her personal collection of pressed plants. An audio recording will allow visitors to hear the poems read by Selby Gardens’ Artist-in-Residence, Patti Smith.
The event will be held at the Historic 19th Century White Cottage, Sunken Garden, and Pergola.
For questions regarding sponsorships or event tickets, please contact: cocktailsatthecottage@selby.org
Presenting Sponsor – $5,000
- Reserved Seating for Ten (10) at the event.
- Opportunity to address guests at the event.
- Opportunity to supply pop-up banners for display at the event.
- Opportunity to distribute branded items at the event.
- Recognition as Presenting Sponsor in event-specific promotional materials, preview invitation, Selby Gardens’ website, and The Sanctuary member newsletter.
Lead Sponsor – $2,500
- Reserved Seating for Eight (8) at the event.
- Recognition as Lead Sponsor in event-specific promotional materials, preview invitation, Selby Gardens’ website, and The Sanctuary member newsletter.
Partner Sponsor – $1,500
- Reserved Seating for Six (6) tickets to the event.
- Recognition as Partner Sponsor in event-specific promotional materials, preview invitation, Selby Gardens’ website, and The Sanctuary member newsletter.
Sponsor – $750
- Four (4) tickets to the event.
- Recognition as Sponsor in event-specific promotional materials, preview invitation, Selby Gardens’ website, and The Sanctuary member newsletter.
Individual Ticket – $175
Host Committee
| The Ayres Family | Cornelia and Dick Matson |
| Ali and Gloria Bahaj | Marianne and Bill McComb |
| Elaine and Chuck Barber | Mary Ann and John Meyer |
| Sylvia S. Barber | Lynn Morris |
| Bert Bosse and Toni Yamin | Audrey Robbins and Harry Leopold |
| Kathy Coffey | Jeannie Russell |
| Carole Crosby and Larry Wickless | Richard and Ellen Sandor |
| Renée James Gilmore | Nikki and Jeff Sedacca |
| M.E. Guyton | Hobart and Janis Swan |
| Susan Hines and Tom Hudak | Martin and Zelia Trueb |
| Chris Lindsay | Art Wood |
| Katherine and Frank Martucci |
|
|
|
Located on Little Sarasota Bay less than 10 miles south of Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, the Historic Spanish Point campus is one of the largest preserves showcasing native Florida plants that is interpreted for the public. The preserve celebrates an archaeological record that encompasses approximately 5,000 years of Florida history.
All proceeds benefit Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus.