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Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2005 Annual Report
Contributions and Membership
Susanna Furfaro and Roberta Baum, co-chairs of the 2005 Family Party, in their pirate finery for the theme "Treasure Island."
Brooklyn Botanic Garden gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the thousands of individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies that have made it possible for BBG to thrive and advance in its mission—bringing the beauty of nature, the enrichment of environmental education, and the advancement of scientific research to New York City and the world.
More than 16,000 members worldwide enjoy the benefits of membership and provide nearly $1 million in critical operating support; 80 percent renewed their support from the previous year. The Garden hosted a series of annual special events to thank members for their commitment. Nearly 4,000 people enjoyed Members' Summer Evenings and Sunset Picnics from late May through early September; and hundreds of members helped produce substantial sales at the Garden Gift Shop's Members' Double Discount Weekend, in December. On Forsythia Day, in April, nearly 700 members came to the Garden to receive the gift of a Forsythia viridissima var. koreana 'Kumson'. And at the Members' Plant Sale Preview, in early May, 1,400 members got their pick of the best specimens at the popular annual plant sale, which is coordinated by the BBG Auxiliary to raise funds to support the Garden's collections and programs.
The Garden's Gager Society recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution toward the annual operating needs of the Garden. President Judith Zuk and the Board of Trustees offered special thanks at the annual Gager Society Dinner in May, which was attended by more than 200 donors and friends. The Garden also hosted two Gager Trips to introduce society members to horticultural gems throughout the region. In October, members traveled to Columbia County, New York, to visit Apple Barn Farm and Gardens, owned by Lindsay and Brian Shea, and to tour Loomis Creek Nursery and Gardens, founded by Robert Hyland, BBG's former vice president of Horticulture. In May they traveled to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to tour Hortulus Farm Gardens and Nursery, owned by BBG trustee Renny Reynolds and Jack Staub.
The Garden is also grateful to its Forsythia Society members, more than 100 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 private tours of the Herb Garden and the Helen Mattin Warm Temperate Pavilion, in the Steinhardt Conservatory.
Friends of the Garden helped raise nearly $800,000 through four special fund-raising events over the past year. On March 3, more than 300 guests attended BBG's new Garden & Antiques Show Preview Party, which was held at the 67th Regiment Armory, near Gramercy Park in Manhattan. They enjoyed cocktails and received first access to a wide range of exhibitors selling antique garden furniture, exceptional plants, and other garden elements. The seventh annual Family Party, "Treasure Island," transformed BBG into a lush tropical oasis on June 1. Co-chairs Roberta Baum and Susanna Furfaro led a band of pirates and performers who shared the riches of their crafts, games, botanical activities, and music with more than 800 children and their families at this sold-out event. The New Leaders Circle brought together 300 young professionals on June 23 for "Passport to Summer—A Night in Havana." Cuban music created an enchanting soundscape during the sunset cocktail hour and dinner on the lawn and a hot tempo for dancing beneath the stars.
On June 7, BBG's Spring Gala honored Judith Zuk for her outstanding accomplishments as BBG president from 1990 through her retirement, in June 2005. Co-chaired by trustees Judith R. Fishman and Madeline de Vries Hooper and hosted by Earl Weiner, chairman of the Board of Trustees, the evening was a stunning tribute to Ms. Zuk, as more than 600 guests enjoyed cocktails in the Cranford Rose Garden and dinner in the Palm House. Ms. Zuk received the Better Earth Award, which recognizes individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution toward making our world a better place. She was also honored with the naming of the Magnolia × 'Judy Zuk' cultivar and the dedication of the Judith D. Zuk Magnolia Plaza. Her achievements were celebrated with presentations by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.