Board members, as well as local and state officials, gather at the start of the Delaware Botanic Gardens’ Annual Dinner to cut the ceremonial ribbon on the new Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion.
Coastal Point • Kerin Magill
The Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro last week celebrated 12 years of work by a community of supporters by opening a new pavilion and announcing the coming of a new era in its leadership team.
This year, for the first time, the DBG’s Annual Dinner — its largest fundraising event — was held in the brand-new Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion. Located near the entrance to the property, the new structure can be used as an open-air or enclosed space, with doors along the sides. High, beamed ceilings offer a grand feel, while a large fireplace at one end adds coziness.
At the dinner, the band 5th Avenue played as the sun set and guests were able to enjoy a dinner by SoDel Concepts and wine from Bin 66. In years past, the dinner had been held under a tent.
Supporters attend the Delaware Botanic Gardens’ Annual Dinner in the new Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion, which is a convertible facility that can be opened or closed on the sides and has a fireplace at one end.
Coastal Point • Kerin Magill
The guest of honor at this year’s dinner was Chuck Pennoni, chairman of the engineering firm Pennoni Associates of Bryn Mawr, Pa. — a founding corporate partner at DBG and a major contributor to the development of the property. The pavilion is named in memory of Pennoni’s wife, Annette, who passed away in 2019.
“This building would not be here without Chuck and his great company. They gave us support — moral support, financial support and leadership,” said Ray Sander, chairman of the board of directors at Delaware Botanic Gardens.
Sander acknowledged the work that went into the development of the building.
“Unless you work hard, it doesn’t just happen,” he said — adding that it’s a philosophy he shares with DBG Executive Director Sheryl Swed, as well as with Pennoni.
“This was a civic-leadership project,” Sander said. “People came from all over the county, all over the state. Private citizens, public officials, companies — big companies, small companies. All came together to build this garden.”
“All of this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Ray and Sheryl,” Pennoni said.
He also credited Pennoni Associates’ Mark Davidson, who he said had been involved in the pavilion project “from the very beginning.”
Supporters mingle during the DBG’s Annual Dinner fundraiser.
Coastal Point • Kerin Magill
Pennoni recalled the first time he and his late wife, Annette, had visited the DBG, about nine years ago.
“I’d like to say she fell in love with Delaware Botanic Gardens, but I’m not too sure. She may have fallen in love with Ray and Sheryl. … She just loved this place,” he said.
Swed recognized the DBG board and advisory council members, as well as the volunteers in attendance at the dinner. She also recognized DBG Executive Director for Horticulture Stephen Pryce Lea, Deputy Executive Director for Grounds & Facilities Sam Cashdollar and Director of Horticulture Christine Justice, as well as DBG’s new chief operating officer, Mark Carter.
Sander lauded SEA Studio, who designed the garden’s restroom facility, as well as the pavilion, and Jeff Burton of Lane Builders, who built the pavilion.
“Jeff has helped us make this building a reality,” Sander said.
Swed also credited Sally Moore for her work toward the completion of the patio on which cocktails were served before the dinner, as well as the nearby “living roof” project, which had been completed just in the past month.
“We’ve raised $11 million for this project,” Sander noted.
Executive Director Sheryl Swed, left, and Board of Directors Chairman Ray Sander, right, speak to those attending the Delaware Botanic Gardens’ dinner. Both announced at the event that they will be stepping aside after 12 years leading the DBG.
Coastal Point • Kerin Magill
He concluded his remarks with the announcement that he and Swed would be stepping down from their positions in the coming year, and that the organization plans to hire a paid executive director. The announcement was followed by a standing ovation by the crowd in the new pavilion.
Sander said this week that the new building will allow the organization to hold a variety of public events there. The first one, he said, will be an Oct. 23 program titled “An Evening with Doug Tallamy,” features the best-selling author and backyard habitat expert. Tallamy will discuss his new book, “How Can I Help? Saving Nature With Your Yard.”
In his talk, Tallamy will tell attendees how growing native plants and letting fallen leaves lie can contribute to conservation right in one’s backyard. The lecture will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer period. Light refreshments will be provided.
Among those who purchase tickets to the event before Sept. 30, 30 will be randomly selected for a “walk-and-talk” with Tallamy and Pryce Lea.
To learn more about Delaware Botanic Gardens and upcoming events, go to www.delawaregardens.org.
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