San Diego Botanic Garden's Annual Benefit Gala Set for Sept. 10

ENCINITAS, CA — San Diego Botanic Garden invites local business leaders, Garden supporters and local residents to purchase tickets soon for its 17th annual Gala in the Garden, set for Saturday, Sept. 10. The theme of this year's benefit gala is "Grow with Passion," reflecting this year's Paul Ecke, Jr. Award honoree, Nan Sterman.

Sterman is a host, co-producer and writer of the KPBS award-winning TV show, "A Growing Passion," which celebrates the growing world; from farms to nurseries to backyards and schoolyards, to native habitats and more. The garden designer, author, botanist and an award-winning garden communicator is dedicated to the transformation of planted landscapes from overly thirsty and resource intensive to climate appropriate and sustainable. Her efforts combine age-old techniques with modern technologies.

“What an honor to be recognized by the San Diego Botanic Garden, a place I have been involved with both personally and professionally for more than to two decades," Sterman said. "The Garden and I have pretty much grown together; I’ve grown to be a writer, speaker, designer and now, a TV personality, the garden has grown into a world-class botanical institution doing important work for the future.

Sterman said she "hopes everyone will join us at the Garden’s Gala; in part because the gala raises the funds the Garden needs to fulfill its mission, and in part because it’s such a great event!"

San Diego Botanic Garden President and CEO Julian Duval said they've selected "a unique gala route through this beautiful garden for an experience like no other in all of San Diego."

"This year we are very pleased to honor Nan Sterman with the Paul Ecke Jr. Award in Excellence, for her important efforts in promoting sustainable practices in horticulture to everyone who gardens.

Duval said Sterman also brings her own creative touch to the plans for the evening, "so the decor, food, libations and entertainment, will all be over the top!"

Scheduled to take place from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 10, Gala in the Garden is the Garden's largest annual event, with proceeds benefiting the public garden located in Encinitas.

"Guests have the opportunity to explore our garden trails, enjoy fine wine, craft beer and the best dishes from local restaurants, as well as listen to live entertainment and view exquisite floral designs," said Garden Spokeswoman Lisa Reynolds.

According to Reynolds, renowned florist and Gala Artistic Director René van Rems will once again lead a team of local floral designers to create lavish floral displays for the evening. On average, more than 10,000 stems are used to create these magnificent displays.

Garden Trustee and former Board Chairman Jim Ruecker returns as the Gala Committee Chair.

More information about Gala in the Garden is available at SDBGarden.org/gala. For sponsorship opportunities, call 760-436-3036, ext. 216. Tickets to the event are $175 per person through Aug. 21 or $200 per person after Aug. 21. Tickets are available online at SDBGarden.org/gala.

Photo: Naomi and Michael Rabkin, Mim Michelove, Charles Ackerman and former Encinitas Mayor Teresa Barth are pictured in attendance at a previous Gala in the Garden (Photo courtesy of San Diego Botanic Garden)