NEWSLETTER
The inaugural Botanical Bash will be a cocktail-party style fundraising event to raise funds for the Botanical Gardens. The event will also honor the life and leadership of former President and CEO, Mark Mortenson.
Buffalo, NY - The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens announced that their annual fundraiser will be celebrated in a brand-new way and in a new season—spring. The Botanical Bash is a reimagined version of their long-standing formal annual fundraising event. This lively cocktail-style party will feature entertainment, games, food, drinks, and fundraising. The event will take place on Friday, May 2 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. The Botanical Gardens' organizers say it's a 'a good time for a great cause.' The Botanical Bash will also honor the life and leadership of former President and CEO, Mark Mortenson, after his untimely passing in September of 2024.The Botanical Bash is presented by Philips Lytle LLP and is supported by Honorary Chair, Curt Maranto-Mortenson.
The inaugural Botanical Bash will bring together members of the community to partake in games, food, drinks, entertainment, and a digital silent auction experience to support the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens' mission. Attendees will enjoy an open bar, a cocktail party style meal, desserts, music and entertainment, games, dancing, a digital auction experience, valet parking and more. Games like 'Botanical Bowling' and 'Plant Plinko' will invite guests to play and win prizes for some added fun. A stilt-walking wonder will also add to the entertainment. Food and drinks will be provided by the Botanical Gardens' catering partners: Buffalo Bubble Bar, Buffalo Catering Company, Curly's Grille, Fat Bob's, Salvatore's Hospitality, and The Grazeful Gatherer. An open bar and food stations will be set up throughout the conservatory to encourage guests to explore the tropical paradise and enjoy the fresh scents of their Spring Flower Exhibit. Amongst the fun and games, guests are invited to participate in the silent auction and donate to their annual Mission Project, which will be managed through a digital platform for a simplified fundraising experience. The silent auction will feature impressive packages with a wide range of interests and price points.
"Our Botanical Bash is taking on a whole new approach that really puts the 'fun' in fundraising. As we celebrate our 125th anniversary and embark on a monumental new project we will come together to honor our dear friend, Mark Mortenson, and his passion for the future of the Botanical Gardens. We encourage attendees to wear their brightest colors and florals in honor of Mark's vibrancy for life and color." said President and CEO, Erin Grajek.
Guests will be invited to contribute to the annual Mission Project, which raises funds for a particular project. This year's Mission Project will be unveiled at the event, and attendees will receive an exclusive first-look at the project. Guests will be encouraged to make donations to the project on the night of the event, and will also have the opportunity to do so after the event through their website, which will then be available to the public.
Tickets to the Botanical Bash include an open bar, a cocktail party style meal, desserts, music and entertainment, valet parking and more. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased online at buffalogardens.com. Ticket sales close on Friday, April 25 at 11:59pm.
The Botanical Bash is presented by Philips Lytle LLP, is supported by Honorary Chair Curt Marant-Mortenson, and is sponsored by Richard and Karen Penfold, Turner Construction, Wendel, Moog, Ferguson Electric, National Fuel, Lumsden McCormick LLP, Catholic Health, and Azar Design Co.
About Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that welcomes all to enjoy its living plant collections, breathtaking conservatory, and educational programming. Opened in 1900, the Botanical Gardens is located within a park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Support for the organization is provided by public funds from Erie County; the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; members; donors; and friends.
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