McKee Botanical Garden hosted its annual Gatekeepers of the Garden Celebration last Wednesday, feting roughly 95 of its highest-level donors with a cocktail reception and dinner as a thank-you for their support of the landmark facility and its programs.
A soft breeze blew through the swaying palms on the sultry evening as guests headed down lush luminaria-lit garden paths to the Spanish Kitchen, where they were serenaded by the classical sounds of the Vero Beach High School Coastal Quartet and enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails under the stars. Later, they headed into the Historic Hall of Giants for an elegant lobster and filet dinner prepared by Chef Chris Bireley of Osceola Bistro.
At one point a small bunny hopped across the entry pathway, eliciting chuckles and memories of the monkeys, parrots and other wildlife that entertained visitors when Waldo Sexton and Arthur McKee founded the roadside attraction known as McKee Jungle Garden. The garden closed in 1976, with all but 18 acres sold for development, before the Indian River Land Trust launched a campaign to fund its purchase and restoration. Alma Lee Loy and the late Ed Holtz rallied supporters to literally keep the garden gates open through annual donations of $1,500 and above.
“The Gatekeepers are the backbone of our organization,” said Barbara Holmen McKenna, past board president. “They are very generous and really love the garden.”
Dr. David McKenna credits the direction of Executive Director Christine Hobart for keeping McKee relevant to today’s public.
“It wouldn’t be as successful if it wasn’t for Christine,” he said. “She is an outstanding leader for the garden. She holds it all together.”
Barbara McKenna said that what McKee offers cannot be found anywhere else, noting that events such as Holidays at McKee, Night of Lights and Fairy Festivals entice people to discover its uniqueness and return again.
“Every day you can come here and sit on a bench, read a book and just stay here as long as you want. It is very soothing,” she added.
Hobart is a fixture in the garden; welcoming visitors of all ages with a friendly smile.
“I was a kid who grew up outdoors and I love to see families and children in the garden,” said Hobart. “It is very important to get that next generation outside and inspire them.”
She acknowledges that without the more than $200,000 contributed by Gatekeepers, the Garden could not sustain itself.
“The gatekeepers are our living endowment,” said Hobart. “The funds they bring in keep the garden open and thriving.”
“The fact that this place is preserved for generations to come is what is so terribly important, because the day is going to come when there are not any Florida hammocks around and we have one. We have a big one,” said Alma Lee Loy.
The next big attraction at McKee, beginning Jan. 6, will be Stickwork by artist Patrick Dougherty. Visitors can watch as he creates his own sculptural version of a Roman Temple using hundreds of willow branches.