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Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2003 Annual Report
Contributions and Membership
Thanks to the generous support of thousands of individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies, the Garden continued to thrive and advance in its mission in 2003. Loyal support from longtime donors, along with a variety of new and increased gifts, made it possible for BBG to maintain core operations and programs—bringing the beauty of nature, the enrichment of environmental education, and the advancement of scientific research to New York City and the world.
Critical operating support was provided by 17,000 members worldwide, 75 percent of whom renewed their support from the previous year. The Garden hosted a series of annual special events to thank members for their support. On Forsythia Day in April, more than a thousand members came to the Garden to receive the gift of a 'Lynwood Gold' forsythia cultivar. At the Members Plant Sale Preview, also in April, more than 1,600 members got their pick of the best plants at the Garden's popular annual plant sale. More than 3,000 members enjoyed Members Summer Evenings and Sunset Picnics in June, July, and August, as well as on newly added evenings in late May and early September. Despite a heavy snowfall, many members came to the Garden to take advantage of special holiday Garden Gift Shop privileges at the Members Double Discount Weekend in December.
President Judith Zuk and the Board of Trustees gave special thanks to the Gager Society, which is composed of the Garden's most generous individual members and donors, at the annual Gager Society Dinner in May. This year's Gager Trip introduced society members to two horticultural jewels of northwestern New Jersey—the private garden of writer and photographer Ken Druse, and Luna Parc, the unique sculpture garden of artist Ricky Boscarino.
Guests in 1920s-inspired attire enjoyed the festivities and vintage decor of the Rose Garden Revue Gala in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Cranford Rose Garden.
In June, hundreds of donors and guests enjoyed the beauty of the Garden through three special events that raised over $456,000 to support BBG's programs and collections. The Board of Trustees hosted the Rose Garden Revue Gala, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Cranford Rose Garden and the decade it was founded—the 1920s. Co-chaired by Earl and Gina Weiner and Peter and Barrett Frelinghuysen, the event was attended by 375 guests. The evening included a tribute to the Cranford Family, whose decendants served as honorary co-chairs of the gala. The fifth annual Family Party, "The Magical Monkey King on Flower Fruit Mountain," transformed the Garden into the enchanted land of an ancient Chinese legend. More than 800 guests enjoyed a "peach banquet," performances from the Peking Opera and Drum Spirit of China, and many activities. This sold-out event was co-chaired by Auxiliary members Karen Tayeh, Kathy Urbina, and Isabel Wacker and coordinated by a 60-member committee. The New Leaders' Circle hosted the second annual "Passport to Summer" event for younger donors. Co-chaired by Darien Leung, Richard Lombard, David Steinhardt, and Mila Tuttle, the event welcomed more than 200 new friends to the Garden for a picnic supper on the lawn and an evening of dancing.
The Garden is also grateful to its Forsythia Society members, a group of 99 generous individuals who have included BBG in their will or estate plans. Members and guests of the society came to the Garden for special receptions in the spring and fall that included a private viewing of the BBG Florilegium Society exhibit in the Steinhardt Conservatory and a presentation on the Garden's science research programs.