By Karen Krugman.
It was a crisp, sunny fall morning when SDHS volunteers gathered at the San Diego Botanic Garden to celebrate their service over the last year. The work these volunteers do covers the gamut— meeting preparation, membership, Coffee in the Garden events, San Diego County Fair design and development, garden tours, and newsletter contributors.
We began with coffee and juice as everyone gathered at the Ecke Building overlooking the gardens. A quiet cheer was heard as Karen Krugman, volunteer coordinator, welcomed everyone and opened the buffet that highlighted the culinary skills that she, Tina and Gabrielle Ivany, and Anne Murphy shared with the volunteers.
SDHS President Frank Mitzel expressed his pleasure at presiding over his second volunteer appreciation event and noted how fortunate we are to have so many people who volunteer. “This event is rapidly becoming my favorite Hort event,” said Frank. “It’s a great opportunity to get together and socialize, and I’m delighted that so many of our board members are here as well.”
Aside from food and company, the highlight of the event is the door prizes. This year we had a wonderful assortment and about one in five people won! Donors included board members Ray Brooks, Jason Chen, and Farmer Roy. SDHS supporters also donated garden delights including pottery, plants, books, and hats. Specific donors were: Susan Aach Ceramics, CW Design and Landscaping, San Diego Hat Company, Timber Press, Nancy Jo Klaphaak, and Infinite Succulent.
Members who didn’t nab a raffle prize took home a potted mum from the centerpieces, so everyone was a winner!
In addition to donating the beautiful space for our breakfast, the San Diego Botanic Garden also offered gratis entry for our members to enjoy the garden after breakfast.
Volunteering your time ensures an invitation to next year’s breakfast, so please continue volunteering. And to our new members, there are many opportunities, so stay tuned!