Local visual artist Susan Watson Arbital likes to dress according to the theme of the events she attends! Last month she appeared as a “fall goddess” in a nod to the event’s “fall” in love with the garden theme! Good job!
It was a packed house — or tent! — last month as the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum held its 15th annual Green Thumb Gala, the largest fundraiser of the year for the horticultural gem located less than five miles from downtown.
The 47-acre non-profit public garden is on the former site of historic Howell Nursery and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Signature features of the garden, located at 2743 Wimpole Avenue in East Knoxville, include numerous different themed garden areas plus more than two miles of distinctive stone walls, several curious stone roundhouses, and a variety of event spaces. The garden is open free to the public every day, thanks to generous contributions and fundraisers such as the Green Thumb Gala.
The Knoxville Botanical Garden traces its history to the 1780s when it was established with a land grant from a new Untied States of America to David Wessel Howell of Buncombe County, North Carolina, for his “exemplary” service during the American Revolutionary War. Howell planted an orchard, established a family farm and began selling fruits and vegetables to local families and businesses. He also began selling the trees, seeds and small plants settlers heading west needed to begin their own farms and gardens. We are so fortunate his descendants planned for the preservation of the original garden and generously arranged for it to be open to visitors.
Now, let’s look at that party!
Food, cocktails, and conversation opened the evening during a silent auction.
Sharon Moore, left, the executive director of the Knoxville Botanical Garden, poses with Shante and Brock Southwood.
Former Knoxville Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe and Sheryl Ely, the director of parks and recreation for the city of Knoxville.
Tom Catani, left, was co-chair along with his wife, Deanene, of the event. He’s with Anna and Tom Ford.
Rick Fox, left, and Ralph Cianelli also were co-chairs. Rick is immediate past president of the botanical garden’s board of directors.
You know you are at a fun party when you see these two: Debbie Emery, left, and Robin Brown.
More fun friends! From left, Kathy Brennan, Pandy Anderson, and Sandi Burdick.
Alan Carmichael and Doris Sharp, a dear long-time friend of ours and former Second Lady of Knoxville. She’s the widow of popular City Council member and Knoxville Vice Mayor Jack Sharp.
Kevin and Maria McHale.
Knox County Commissioner Damon Rawls, at right, with Stella Bridgeman, left, and Carmanelette Rawls.
Knoxville Museum of Art Executive Director Steven Matijcio and Anita Hollman Matijcio.
From left, Adrianne and Bryan Goldberg with Susan and Kent Farris.
The passed appetizers were yummy!
From left, Becka Wilson, Laurie Macnair, and Robin Easter.
From left, Garry and Lynn Menendez with Mary and Ron Rimer.
Erin Donovan and James Newburn.
Hancen Sale and Kerstin Sisco.
Marianne Wanamaker, right, with Jane and Kenneth Creed.
From left, Jeff Stanley, Megan Stair, and David Byrd.
Karen and Reinhold Mann.
Linnie and Charley Sexton.
Tobias Kight and Priscilla Brown.
From left, Steve Lytle, Saundra Daniels, Vicki Baumgartner, and Dino Cartwright.
From left, Martha Culvahouse, Lynne and Walter Fain, and Charlie Mercer.
Lindsay Cates, left, and Alyssa Sloan.
Kimberly and Kevin Proffitt.
Cathy Briscoe, right, with Kim and Jim Hays.
Alan Carmichael, left, with Carolyn and Doug Leahy.
From left, Jennifer Reynolds, Ginger Baxter, Jenny Bushkell, and Lindsay Hammill.
From left, Marianne Wanamaker, Candace and Bill Street, Jane Creed, and Noah Jones. Bill Street is the new president and CEO of Zoo Knoxville.
Great crowd in the silent auction tent!
It also was a beautiful evening to step outside the tent for a while.
After an hour or so drinking, socializing and bidding, it was time to sit down for dinner, where the fall theme continued on the tables.
And on the tent ceiling!
The centerpieces clearly celebrated the fall theme, too.
The Bloody Tinth provided tunes and vibes during the cocktail hour. They are a Celtic rock band from Cincinnati.
Tom Boyd and Sandi Burdick.
Martha Ashe and her mom, former Knoxville First Lady Joan Ashe.
Jane and Rich Ray.
Hugh and Angelia Nystrom.
From left, Cliff Hawks, Maria and Kevin McHale, and Jacque Hawks, sitting.
Jim and Kati Blalock.
From left, Bill Pittman, Sherry Jenkins, and Renee Repka.
Knox County Commissioner Larsen and Adrian Jay.
Lee Ann Rogers and Steve Drevik.
From left, Jenny Bushkell, Jacque Hawks, and Gay Lyons.
Hey, Marga and Jay McBride: get a room! Ha.
Alan Carmichael and me. As you can see from Alan’s phone, it was almost 8 p.m.!
Botanical Garden Board President Matt Keaney made a few remarks after dinner.
Bill Pittman and Tina Rolen giving their bid number to a volunteer during the live auction. They purchased a lidded vase with a wood handle crafted by Don Reed.
I’m not saying the volume level was too high, but here’s my tablemate Larry Bushkell!
Welcome to fall, y’all!
As always, a very fun event! I have to say I agree with Larry Bushkell about the music volume.
Fun time as aways. Music was Way too loud, could not hold a conversation.
Other than that, a lovely evening.