Donors spent an evening under the stars at McKee Botanical Garden last Wednesday at the invitational Gatekeepers Dinner, which annually recognizes their generous support.

“Tonight we celebrate our Gatekeepers of the Garden for their dedication, support and generosity, which affords us the opportunity to share this very special place with our community. They allow us to maintain the enchantment and beauty that has made McKee a magical part of Vero’s 100-year history,” said Christine Hobart, executive director.

Guests trekked through the new Children’s Garden, which is currently under construction, getting a sneak peek of the whimsical wonderland, including walkways elevated 12 feet into the jungle canopy, a Bamboo Village, Pirate Shipwreck and Fairy Hollow.

Afterward, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served in the Spanish Kitchen, before guests adjourned to the Great Hall for a surf-and-turf dinner catered by Elizabeth Kennedy & Co.

To date, $5.6 million of the $7.5 million goal has been raised to fund the Children’s Garden, which is expected to open early summer 2019.

To support the project, beginning Dec. 1 children will host a Lemonade Brigade the first Saturday of every month, and adults can enjoy the second annual Seed to Sea Secret Supper on Jan. 13.

For more information, visit mckeegarden.org.