Friends of the Arboretum May Newsletter
Dear Friends,
As previously mentioned, we have so many great programs and events taking place at the Arboretum over the summer months. Stems: A Garden Soirée, returning to the gardens on Saturday, June 22, is no exception. The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park is the host of Stems, which is the major fundraiser for the Foundation’s support of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, public art initiatives, and the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Guests will experience a beautiful evening of food, wine, music, fun — and a spectacular fireworks show!
The Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (fondly referred to as “ARFOP”) partners with the City of Overland Park to ensure that our community gems – Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, public art initiatives, and the Arboretum – continue to grow and thrive. The ARFOP Board of Directors and Executive Director work closely with the Overland Park Parks and Recreation Department staff and provide critical guidance and support to the Friends groups. ARFOP is self-sufficient and does not receive funding from the City (other than very generously providing office space). Here at the Arboretum, ARFOP staff manages the FOTA membership and commemorative-gifts programs and partners with City staff and the FOTA Advisory Board to put on the Spring Plant Sale, Terra Luna, Luminary Walk, and many other popular community events. ARFOP pays all administrative and marketing costs associated with promoting parks and recreation assets and raising funds as well as providing business operations support such as administrative services, insurance coverage, accounting services, and technology platforms.
I invite you to learn more about the Foundation, Friends of the Farmstead, and Friends of Overland Park Arts. Our sister Friends groups and their members and supporters are making a difference in our community just like you are, on behalf of the Arboretum!
And I hope you’ll consider attending – or volunteering at – Stems on June 22. I know you will meet new friends and have a great evening!
Mike Hopson,
Co-Chair of the FOTA Advisory Board