60th Anniversary Gala

About the event

  May 15, 2026

Buy Tickets From protecting native plants to inspiring generations of visitors, the Garden continues to grow because of you. Join us for an evening of celebration as we honor what we’ve accomplished and share our vision for the future: where science, engagement, and conservation come together with purpose and possibility. Honorary Chairs Ritch & Susan Allison Frank & Ellen Proctor Mike & Melissa Raley

  Gala Fundraising Focus Help us enhance the Display Gardens with dynamic new outdoor educational displays and engaging signage designed to inspire, inform, and elevate every visitor’s experience. Your gifts will transform a walk through the Garden into a journey of discovery, ensuring that every visitor gains a stronger connection to plants, a deeper understanding of conservation, and a lasting sense of purpose.

Auction Items Weekend get-away package at Villa Pinea Relax in a mid-century modern home designed by architect Terry Waugh located in12-acres of forest on the edge of Chapel Hill. This four-day/three-night package includes Carolina Performing Arts tickets for two, Carolina Basketball tickets for two, a charcuterie board for 6-8 people, and spirits and brew from Mother Earth Brewing. Live like a Parisian on the Left Bank Enjoy a week-long stay in a charming Paris apartment located on Rue du Cherche Midi in the heart of the 6th arrondissement.  This Paris flat includes one bedroom and two bathrooms, with a double Murphy bed in the living room. It sleeps up to four people. Airfare not included. Sculpture in the Garden package Invite your friends to join you on a small group (up to six people) studio tour and pottery demonstration by internationally-renowned Chatham County artist Mark Hewitt. This package also includes a Mark Hewitt vase, a landscape consultation from Rachel’s Native Plants, and a one-night stay at the Fearrington Inn among the native plant gardens of Fearrington Village. Birds and Botany in the Sandhills field trip  Gather 8-10 folks to follow New Hope Bird Alliance Director Tom Driscoll and American Botanist Bruce Sorrie for an exciting and educational day trip to see and learn about the birds, flora, and fauna who call the Sandhills home. Picnic lunch provided.  

  Planning Committee Gail Perry Jordan Barratt Betsy Bennett May Bryan Virginia Buysse Melanie Christian Eliza Cook Helen Frankstone Kim Fraser Pat Holder Katherine Kopp Mia Pizzagalli Sue Plambeck Liza Roberts

Event Hosts Longleaf Anne Harris Alice & John May Frank & Ellen Proctor Magnolia Ritch & Susan Allison Rufus & Linda Edmisten Gene & Pat Holder Kate & Jeff Hedges Jeff Mason Sue & Charles Plambeck Jennifer & Al Runquist Phyllis Thomas & Alan Curtis Damon Waitt Sassafras Betsy & Walter Bennett Melanie & Lynch Christian Becky & Munroe Cobey Cindy & Tom Cook Rus & Dixie Hapgood Nicholas & Amy Penwarden Gail Perry & Bill Cobb Mia Pizzagalli & Ken Shelton Mike & Melissa Raley Dogwood Mike & Mary Andrews Paula Noell & Palmer Page Sims Preston & Olympia Stone Kader & Margaret Ramsey Carol Tresolini & Tom Fiore For information on becoming an Event Host see this link or contact Stephen Keith at 919-962-9458. Buy Tickets