The Sonoma Botanical Garden hosted its second annual Garden Gala on Oct. 4, a sold-out event that raised more than $300,000 to support the botanical garden’s collection, special exhibitions and programs.
This year’s theme, “Songbird Soirée,” drew inspiration from “Winged Wonders,” an exhibition by The Myth Makers, featuring fantastical bamboo birds, which is on view until Oct. 31. The theme celebrated the beauty of native birds throughout the Garden.
Guests enjoyed a poolside farm-to-table dinner prepared by chef Ari Weiswasser of Sonoma’s Glen Ellen Star and Stella Restaurant, catered by Park Avenue Catering. The meal was paired with local wines from Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Estate Winery.
The botanical garden honored several supporters for their contributions: Cathy and Chuck Williamson, Rosemary and Kevin McNeely and Ron Mickelsen. The evening featured the premiere of a new short film “Sonoma Botanical Garden,” produced by the KHR McNeely Family Foundation. The film included cinematography by Daniel Ramón Perales and narration by Sonoma resident and the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, who was another guest at the gala.
Sonoma Botanical Garden’s second annual Garden Gala on Oct. 4 raised over $300,000 to support the Garden’s collection, special exhibitions and programs. Honoree Ron Mickelsen. (Melania Mahoney Photography)
Sonoma Botanical Garden hosted its second annual Garden Gala on Oct. 4, a sold-out event that raised more than $300,000 to support the Garden’s collection, special exhibitions and programs. Mark Menke board chair and Jeannie Perales executive director at the event. (Melania Mahoney Photography)
The Sonoma Botanical Garden hosted its second annual Garden Gala on Oct. 4, a sold-out event that raised more than $300,000 to support the Garden’s collection, special exhibitions and programs. The Ryan Woodard Band performing at the gala. (Melania Mahoney Photography)
The Sonoma Botanical Garden hosted its second annual Garden Gala on Oct. 4, a sold-out event that raised more than $300,000 to support the Garden’s collection, special exhibitions and programs. Honorees Chuck and Cathy Williamson. (Melania Mahoney Photography)
The Sonoma Botanical Garden hosted its second annual Garden Gala on Oct. 4, a sold-out event that raised more than $300,000 to support the botanical garden’s collection, special exhibitions and programs. (Melania Mahoney Photography)
The Sonoma Botanical Garden hosted its second annual Garden Gala on Oct. 4, a sold-out event that raised more than $300,000 to support the Garden’s collection, special exhibitions and programs. Sonoma resident and former U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, center, laughs while speaking with other guests during the gala. (Melania Mahoney Photography)
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Sonoma Botanical Garden’s second annual Garden Gala on Oct. 4 raised over $300,000 to support the Garden’s collection, special exhibitions and programs. Honoree Ron Mickelsen. (Melania Mahoney Photography)
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Other notable attendees included former Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, Sonoma County Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo and Sonoma Mayor Patricia Farrar-Rivas.
The event featured immersive activities, live bird presentations by the Bird Rescue Center, live music by The Ryan Woodard Band, customized poetry and wine portraits.
The Garden Gala is scheduled to return in 2026 on Oct. 3.
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