Friends of the Arboretum May Newsletter

Dear Friends,

There are so many wonderful events and programs taking place at the Arboretum during the summer months and Stems: A Garden Soirée on June 24th is no exception. The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park is the host of Stems, one of our signature events and an important fundraiser for the Foundation’s support of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, public art initiatives, and the Arboretum. Event guests will experience a beautiful evening of fun, food, wine, music—all culminating with spectacular fireworks show. And unique this year, guests will be treated to a celebration on the grounds of LongHouse, our new visitor’s center!

As I have shared in the past, Friends of the Farmstead, Friends of Overland Park Arts, and Friends of the Arboretum are all part of the Arts and Recreation Foundation (known by many as “ARFOP”); and, together, this organization 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 24th. You’ll have a great evening!

 

Events and Programing

· Join us for one of our upcoming Wine Tasting on the Terrace events. This crowd pleaser will not disappoint and has been selling out far in advance! The next available date is September 7, featuring Stanley Station Wine & Spirits and KSU Master Food Volunteers. Be sure to purchase your ticket early so that you don’t miss out. 

· Biergarten Thursdays are also filling up fast! Our next available evening is June 15, featuring Transport Brewery, Cinder Block Brewery and Pretzel Boys KC. Be sure to purchase your ticket early so you don’t miss out. 

· On June 2 and June 3, the gardens will play host to enchanting mermaids and pirates at our annual Enchanted Faire! Tickets are on sale now!

 

Members-Only Promo codes for discounted tickets can be found in the FOTA e-Newsletter emails and in your FOTA Membership Confirmation Email.

Check out the events page for many more fun activities including Terra Luna and Botanical Brewfest!

 

News From the Gardens

Stay current on the latest Arboretum news by following us on our social spaces. And don’t forget to share our content so your friends, family and neighbors can hear about ways to enjoy the many aspects of the Arboretum. 

 

 

Volunteer

There are so numerous ways to share your time and talents at the Arboretum. If volunteering is on your New Year’s list of resolutions, please contact us by email.

 

Let Me Know What’s On Your Mind

Finally, I always enjoy reading your messages about the work we are doing. Please continue to share with me your thoughts and ideas about our events and programing at fotachair@artsandrec-op.org.

 

See you in the gardens,

Carlos E. Corredor

Chair of the FOTA Advisory Board