Under balmy skies, Sherman Library & Gardens hosted the 2nd Annual Botanical Ball on Saturday, October 3. The event raised more than $450,000, which will go towards Living Classroom, Sherman’s lifelong learning initiative, as well as a final push for the Grow the Gardens campaign.
The sold-out event hosted more than 200 guests at Sherman’s iconic outdoor garden setting. The food was catered by Hazeltine’s and proprietor Damian Orozco, the new operator of Sherman’s restaurant that will open in late 2027.
The evening featured the presentation of the Arnold D. Haskell Award to Newport Beach philanthropist Janet Curci for her enduring commitment to Sherman Library & Gardens. According to Scott LaFleur, Executive Director of Sherman Library & Gardens, “This is a very special award that honors individuals who contribute in multiple ways to Sherman to fulfill its mission. Janet embodies the spirit of our founder, Arnold Haskell, who wanted to foster lifelong relationships with this special place. Janet provided us with a leadership gift for Grow the Gardens. She is also an incredible volunteer for major events like the Botanical Ball and a super-ambassador for The Gardens. We are very fortunate to have Janet’s enthusiasm and generosity.”
Alex Anderson, Managing Director of Philanthropy, said, “The event was a huge success thanks to our incredible sponsors, including South Coast Plaza and Chopard, who help put us over the top. We had so many sponsors who made this event even better than last year, and we are very grateful to them.”
The 3rd Annual Botanical Ball is slated for October 2027 when The Gardens are expected to be fully reopened.
“We are looking forward to showing off our incredible new Sherman Library & Gardens campus,” said Anderson.
Sherman Library & Gardens is a nonprofit organization that has been deeply rooted in Orange County for 60 years, serving the community as a cultural center, sanctuary and educational beacon for history and beauty. Founded in 1966 by Arnold Haskell and named for his friend and mentor, Moses Hazeltine Sherman, this iconic institution serves as a guardian of regional history and artifacts, a living library of both native and exotic plants, and a conservator of artistic works influenced by and produced in the Pacific Southwest.
Today, Sherman Library & Gardens is a monument to Haskell’s dream of an educational and cultural center including a premier botanical garden and outstanding research library.
Sherman Library & Gardens was recognized by the Newport Beach City Council with a proclamation, naming Sherman Library & Gardens as the “Cultural Hub” of Corona del Mar.
Visit https://thesherman.org.
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