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Delaware Botanic Gardens annual dinner raises more than $120,000

Donations from Party in the Garden event to support operations
Nearly 300 people attended Delaware Botanic Gardens’ 11th annual Party in the Garden dinner Sept. 28. DBG Executive Director Sheryl Swed, left, and President Ray Sander address the crowd. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chris Flood
October 7, 2023

Story Location:
Delaware Botanic Gardens
30220 Piney Neck Road
Dagsboro, DE 19939
United States

Roughly 300 of Delaware Botanic Gardens’ most ardent supporters raised more than $120,000 at the 11th annual Party in the Garden dinner Sept. 28.

Attendees braved the rain, and some even walked the grounds. Most kept dry under a large white sailcloth tent while listening to music by Vince Varrassi and 5th Avenue. SoDel Concepts provided food and desserts at multiple chef stations. Scott Kammerer, SoDel Concepts president, and his wife Lisa were honorary co-chairs of the dinner. 

This year, DBG President Ray Sander and Executive Director Sheryl Swed challenged guests to help raise funds on behalf of operations. By the end of the evening, guests donated nearly $26,000, bringing the grand total raised at the dinner to over $122,000.

Delaware Botanic Gardens, 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, with guided tours at 10 a.m.

Tickets for adult nonmembers cost $15, and anyone 16 or younger is admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. DBG members are admitted free.

For more information, to become a member or to make a reservation, go to delawaregardens.org, call 302-321-9061 or email Executive Director Sheryl Swed at sherylswed@delawaregardens.org.

Scott Kammerer, SoDel Concepts president, and his wife Lisa were honorary co-chairs of the dinner. Pictured are (l-r) DBG President Ray Sander, Scott, Executive Director Sheryl Swed and Lisa.
The white sailcloth event tent looks like a castle set down in the gardens.
Each of the attendees received a celebratory glass of bubbly.
DBG President Ray Sander, left, and Executive Director Sheryl Swed thank everyone in attendance at the dinner.
Max Sewald of Bethany Beach waits as Luke Duncan pours him a glass of wine while Jordyn Hogsten grabs another bottle.
Vince Varrassi and his band 5th Avenue close out a musical set.
Laura Martin, left, and Sue Mascianolan fill their plates with some of the fine food offerings.
John Judge and Joelle Morris take a selfie in the rain.
This display at the entrance is to remind people of the garden’s mission to maintain a sustainable habit for all animals – including the sea otter, which is becoming more and more rare.
The gardens’ award-winning restroom facilities include an overlook with stunning views of the wooded trails.
It’s been a few years since a retaining wall made from twine and sticks found on site was built. Grass is beginning to fill in the shore area.

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