Houston Botanic Garden hosts milestone luncheon
Nothing about Houston Botanic Garden’s “Botanical Beginnings” luncheon followed standard protocol. Why should it? The benefit fell on Halloween and World Series Game 6. Fortunately for lunchgoers, the event’s organizers incorporated the spirit of both into Tuesday’s festivities.
Just inside the River Oaks Country Club lobby, two bubbling cauldrons (hint: dry ice was involved) flanked a printed 3-D map of how Houston Botanic Garden might look upon completion. Attendees, many of whom sported fresh face paint, “oohed” and “ahhed” over the rendering with Moscow Mules or Planter’s Punch in hand.
Three “live” trees (aka actors dressed in leafy costumes) welcomed patrons into the foyerturned-botanic bazaar. Silent-auction offerings, an orange cocktails-topped bar, Halloween photobooth props, blinking raffle rings and more filled the typically traditional space. A line of HBG supporters waiting to have glittering Astros logos or spiderwebs drawn on their faces snaked through the reception.
By noon, HBG board member Jim Reeder asked the sold-out crowd to take their seats. “The secret to a successful luncheon is starting on time and ending on time.”
Not that the organization needed any luck in the success department. Shortly after the program began, Reeder announced that with $21.4 million raised, the “Grow Houston’s Garden” campaign had accomplished its first major milestone: Secure $20 million to acquire the Glenbrook Golf Course from the city of Houston.
“Our goal today is to show you something remarkable, that you’ll never forget, and share the progress of Houston’s first botanic garden,” Reeder said.
More good news followed. Claudia Vassar, the nonprofit’s interim executive director, agreed to make her appointment permanent. Claire Agre of West 8, the architecture firm tasked with HBG’s design and development, led the audience through the master plan via a video presentation. “Our goal is for people to come with ‘wow’ and leave with awe.”
Phase 1, titled “Botanical Beginnings,” is slated to open in 2020.
“We looked to the oldest, best ideas of what gardens are,” Agre said of West 8’s vision.