Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Community members enjoyed freshments and a catered dinner by Kravitz Deli July 26 at the Mill Creek Metroparks Rose Gardens.
Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Community members enjoyed a dinner catered by Kravitz Deli July 26 at Fellows Riverside Garden for the annual Garden Party fundraiser.
Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Volunteers worked the drink station at the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens annual Garden Party Fundraiser July 26.
Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Edward Maday performed live music for community members at Fellows Riverside Garden's Rose Garden July 26 during the annual Garden Party fundraiser.
Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Fellows Riverside Garden's hosted the Friends annual Garden Party fundraiser July 26.
By JESSICA HARKER
The Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens hosted the groups annual Summer Garden Party fundraiser on July 26.
Gardens Director Andrew Pratt said that the group is vital to the growth of the gardens.
“This is a big fundraiser for them,” Pratt said. “Therefore, it’s a big fundraiser for us.”
President of the group Denise Stewart said that the party hosted 256 guests this year.
Along with the price of admissions comes free drinks and entertainment, as well as a dinner catered by Kravitz Deli.
“It’s just a lovely evening to be able to spend enjoying the gardens,” Stewart said.
Live music was performed by Edward Maday for guests to enjoy throughout the evening.
“It’s a great evening to see familiar faces and support the friends, whose mission is really just to support Fellows Riverside Gardens,” Pratt said.
Last year, the group raised about $25,000 during the event.
Using this money, Stewart said the organization is able to fund a number of projects for the gardens.
“We are responsible for the walkways through the gardens and the education center,” Stewart explained.
Just last year, Pratt said that the group worked with Fellows Riverside Gardens to erect a second green house on the property.
Stewart said that the need became clear when she found out that the gardeners at the annual plant sale ran out of room to grow.
“We went to Andrew and told him about it and we were able to work together to create the extra space that was needed,” she said.
The group runs year round and hosts a number of events.
Stewart said that with a group membership community members receive access to members only garden events and a discount at the garden’s gift shop.
“It’s a great cause and we really try to make it worth the members money,” Stewart said.
To join the organization or for more information, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.