McKee Gatekeepers, donors affectionately regarded as McKee Botanical Garden’s “living endowment,” were feted at an invitational cocktail reception in the picturesque Spanish Kitchen to thank them for their generous and vital support.
Roughly 100 people attended ‘Cocktails at the Kaleidoscope,’ sponsored by Wilmington Trust, where they learned about McKee’s 20th Anniversary Revitalization Project and enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Elizabeth Kennedy Catering.
Guests heard from historic landscape architect David Sacks and kaleidoscope artist Bob Anderson, whose delightful sculpture will be a permanent installation in the Royal Palm Grove, near the Folly area, which is being totally revitalized.
Earl Morgan, board president, said that despite COVID, they saw record attendance last year, and he predicted this season would be even better.
“Our fiscal period ends June 30, and on June 30 we were just a few heads shy of 100,000 annual visitors to the garden. Our endowment is robust, our admissions are great, and you were great,” said Morgan, adding that Gatekeepers help to preserve and expand its tradition of quality.
“This is actually our first official in-person event that we have had in a year and nine months, so welcome,” said Christine Hobart, executive director.
“As you know, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of reopening as
McKee Botanical Garden. To celebrate this important milestone, we thought it would be fitting to focus on our greatest asset: our 18-acre botanical paradise. As with every garden, McKee is an evolving oasis that must be curated and maintained to ensure its natural beauty continues to thrive for generations to come,” said Hobart, noting that the revitalization project will enhance two key areas.
“We will be adding bursts of color and diversity throughout the garden’s lush jungle, while creating more inviting spots to discover for small gatherings or solitary enjoyment of the garden’s beauty. This significant project would not be possible without your support, so thank you so much,” said Hobart.
Anderson spoke briefly about the creation of his unique kaleidoscope designs; interactive, living sculptures he has been creating since 1997, which are installed in public places and private homes across the country. The garden sculpture features three eyepieces of varying heights, that look down into colorful plants in a rotating bowl, creating wonderful kaleidoscopic images.
Introducing Sacks, Hobart said he has been involved in the restoration and enhancement of McKee since 1994.
“His areas of expertise include historic and cultural landscapes, parks, botanical gardens and other educational and interpretive landscapes,” said Hobart. “His design work at McKee has always sought to honor the vision of the garden’s founders and original designers while bringing forth a contemporary public garden of compelling beauty and dynamic interest. And David always says, McKee is his favorite garden.”
“Thank you to all of you Gatekeepers for being here tonight and for supporting McKee, which truly is my favorite client,” said Sack. He took guests on a walk down memory lane with a slideshow presentation of the history of the garden, from its early days as McKee Jungle Garden to its transformation 20 years ago as McKee Botanical Garden and plans for the future.
For additional information, visit mckeegarden.org.
Photos by Kaila Jones
