A Passion for Gardens
12th Annual “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Symposium and Luncheon
Presented by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum
Committee members kicked off the planning for A Passion for Gardens 12th Annual “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Symposium and Luncheon. The meeting was graciously hosted by committee member Julia Grace in her home on August 14.The fundraising event is presented by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2018 from 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM at the Arboretum’s Rosine Hall. It is an annual Fall Fundraiser which has presented outstanding authors and speakers with extensive knowledge in the histories of garden design, architecture and art, and stories of extraordinary individuals and events.
Women’s Council President Linda Spina provided a warm welcome to the more than 20 committee members attending and gave an update on work throughout the summer. Barbara Hunt Crow, Honorary Chairman for the event, is taking an active role and was in attendance.
Event chair Michelle Mew initiated a “get to know you” ice breaker asking each member to share information from a prepared list of questions including “What is the one thing most people do not know about you?” There were so many interesting responses and the committee members had an entertaining time learning more about each other.
Plans for the event include an exclusive “Meet the Authors” Reception for Sponsors and Patrons on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in an elegant Highland Park residence. The home has already been selected and will be an unforgettable evening for those in attendance.
Program chair Dorothea Meltzer gave insight and background on the 2018 program which will feature Carolyne Roehm, internationally recognized style icon and gardener extraordinaire, and Colta Ives, renowned art historian and landscape designer. Several of the committee members had visited New York City during the summer and saw Colta’s most recent exhibit at the Met.
Silent auction chairs Giana dePaul and Julia Grace are planning to provide an extensive selection of items for all interests including restaurant gift cards, decorative household pieces and gardening themed items.
Also in attendance were Nancy Connor, Liz Respess, Karen Sandlin, Lola Sims, Char Sutherlin, Patricia Cowlishaw, Margaret LaRocca, Joanie Stephens, Eleanor Casey, Regina Bruce, Jessica Horn, Lisa Meyer, and Nancy Connor.
Since 1986, the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the development and maintenance of "A Woman's Garden," the only public garden in the nation conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women, and dedicated to the spirit of women. “A Woman's Garden” celebrates the strength, ingenuity, creativity and determination of all women. It is a centerpiece garden of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Sponsorships
Sponsor Underwriting Levels for “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Symposium and Luncheon are $25,000, $15,000, $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500. Individual Patron tickets are $1,500, $1,000, $500, and $250. Individual tickets are $150 per person for Symposium and Luncheon and $125 per person for Symposium Only.
Information is available at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org.
For further information:
Michelle Mew, Event Chair, 214-236-2564 or mmew1111@aol.com,
Mary Ellen Winborn, Reservations Chair, 214-369-2246 or mewinborn@sbcglobal.net.
Photos by Deborah Brown