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Fitzpatricks to Be Honored at Botanical Garden Gala
The Berkshire Botanical Garden will honor Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick at the Garden's summer cocktail gala, Fête des Fleurs Encore, to be held on Saturday, July 20 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Elm Court, 310 Old Stockbridge Rd. in Stockbridge.
The Fitzpatricks have been generous and loyal supporters of the Garden; for more than 30 years they have helped it to thrive. In many ways, from donating Red Lion soup at Harvest Festivals since 1971 to providing leadership gifts for the Garden’s capital campaigns, they have set the standard for community involvement and support and the Garden is pleased to thank them for all they have done.
The party will be held at Elm Court, one of the finest and most historic Berkshire cottages. The 110-room mansion is being restored by owners Sonya and Bob Berle, who have graciously offered it to the Garden for the very special evening.
The theme of Fête des Fleurs Encore is a continuation of last year's very successful gala, which featured a competition for the most beautiful and imaginative flowered hats and lapels. Diana Burke, custom milliner for Broadway and television celebrities, and David Scribner, hat aficionado and editor of the Berkshire Eagle, will be on hand again this year to select the winners.
Guests can borrow from last year's ideas of flowered and botanical hats and lapels as well as ties, or come up with new and exciting uses of flowers to enhance their attire. While flowered attire is suggested, it is entirely optional. Guests who prefer not to "dress-up" are equally welcome and will also enjoy the event.
Prizes will be awarded in many categories, including this year's new flowered Red Lion category. Awards are unisex, so a gentleman may win in the flowered hat division while a lady could win the prize for a flowering lapel or necktie. Everything is fair game. Fresh, dried or fake flowers may be used as well as artistically arranged seedpods, herbs, and anything else that may be concocted. There is no need for a green thumb—it will be an event where the non-gardeners can compete and even excel.
The Berkshire Botanical Garden, founded in 1934, is the only botanical garden in the region. The Garden's mission is to encourage and support the continuation of the natural beauty of the area by creating and preserving gardens emphasizing plants that thrive in the Berkshires, and by informing and educating adults and children about gardening and the environment. For more info about the gala or programs at the Garden, call 413-298-3926.
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