Marie Selby Gardens Associates

Supporting the mission of the Gardens since 1980, the Selby Associates Serve, Support, and Grow the Gardens.

We welcome new members - All of us can do more than one of us can do.

If you're a member of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, you're eligible to join the Associates, an auxiliary group of volunteers who love to find ways to support the Gardens through volunteerism, special events, education, and ambassadorship. Our activities and programs provide a friendly, social experience for members while providing value for the Gardens. Members receive a monthly newsletter and enjoy luncheons, programs, and fundraisers during the season.

Activities

Season of activity spans October to May with something of interest for all members, Gardens members, and friends. Funds raised from our efforts are donated to teen educational programs, research interns, children’s learning activities, horticultural endeavors, etc. One hundred Associates donate their time, talents, and energy to present fresh events each season for the enjoyment and enlightenment of all.

Education

The Marie Selby Gardens Associates provide financial and volunteer support for Kid’s Corner, a classroom used for field trips and educational programs and open to all children visiting the Gardens, and Selby Gardens Explorers, a program for teen volunteers. The Associates also organize programs to educate members and guests about topics related to the mission of the Gardens.

Fundraising and volunteerism 

The Associates raise funds to support Selby Gardens’ educational activities and scientific research, and many Associates give of their time and energy as well.

Social

The Associates hold regular meetings and other social activities to bring members together.
Member meetings are held regularly throughout the year from October through May. The group also plans field trips, fundraising events, and volunteer opportunities.   Members receive a monthly e-newsletter and a member directory.

All current members of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are invited to join the Associates. To learn more, contact Sharon Rae Giles at (941) 355-8071 or email us.  Download an Associates membership application (below), or mail a check made payable to: Marie Selby Gardens Associates, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236.

Annual Dues

Patron- $100 | Contributing - $50 | Associate - $35

Officers

Associates Board

President                             Allison Archbold
Vice President                    Carmen Baskind
Secretary                             Carol Kreit
Treasurer                             Linda Lestock

Directors
Diane Demont                      Gundi Pease
Karen LaBonte                     Sue Scully
Gil Lee                                   Tracy Seider
Jane Paulishak                    Michele Stone

Meetings and Events

Marie Selby Gardens Associates meetings and events are open to the public. Reservations and payment required. 
Schedule (subject to change):    

Monday, October 17, 2011, 11:30AM                                Luncheon Meeting
Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 5:30 to 7:30PM         Wine Dine & Pine (reservations can be made on-line October 15, 2011)
Monday, January 16, 2012, 11:30AM                                Luncheon Meeting
Monday, February 20, 2012, 11:30AM                              Lavendar Luncheon & Talk by Dr. Arlene Bobonich
Thursday, April 12, 2012, 9AM - 4PM                                Naples Botanical Gardens GUided Tour
Sunday, March 4, 2012, 3:00PM                                       High Tea at Selby Gardens
Monday, May 21, 2012, 11:30 a.m.                                   Annual Meeting & Luncheon:  "Trends in Floral Design" - Demonstration by Gil Lee