Delaware Botanic Gardens Raises over $154,000 and Celebrates Groundbreaking of the Pennoni Pavilion
/DBG Annual Dinner Raises Over $154,000
On September 26th 300 people gathered at Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek in Dagsboro to attend the Annual Fund Raising Dinner Party, and participate in the Groundbreaking for the Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion.
Ray Sander, DBG President said, “We are proud to announce that due to the generosity of our enthusiastic community of supporters, DBG was able to raise over $154,000 from the Annual Dinner and Challenge Match.” Sander continued, ”Special thanks to Ron Bass and George Robbins, sponsors of the $25,000 Challenge Match, which was doubled due to the generosity of Denise Kaczmarczyk who matched Ron & George’s challenge, plus thanks to the 50 other generous donors who met the $25,000 match who are listed on our website: delawaregardens.org.
Sander continued, “Importantly, after years of planning, designing, value engineering and fund raising we were able to salute long-time supporter Chuck Pennoni, who along with others, made it possible to celebrate a ceremonial’ groundbreaking for the Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion. The pavilion is named in honor of Chuck’s late wife Annette, also a long-time DGB supporter. We thank Chuck for not only his leadership and generosity, but also for the vital role of his Pennoni Engineering Team, led by Mark Davidson. We are thankful to SEA Architects and Lane Builders and all our friends and supporters. A special salute to Sally Gore who announced at the dinner her donation for the Naming Rights for the Pavilion’ patio and living roof.” Another milestone announced at the dinner was that DBG has now raised over $10 million dollars since the beginning of our fundraising in 2014.
Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “The Pennoni Pavilion will become DBG’s center stage for year round programs and events. The Pavilion is expected to be completed in early 2025.” Swed also said, “It is thrilling that we could arrange this Pavilion groundbreaking during the 12th anniversary of our annual fundraising dinner created with our generous partner SoDel Concepts. Scott Kammerer, President of SoDel, with his wife Lisa, were honorary Co Chairs of the dinner. Scott saluted the fantastic SoDel team, led by Ronnie Burkle, SoDel Corporate Chef, who provided the great food selections. Also, we thank Derrick Kelley and Riely Quinn owners of Bin 66, who selected and provided Old Soul wines, which were perfectly paired for the evening’s dinner menu. Recognition and thanks also go to Zack McCarthy and his team for their spectacular tent and lighting; Vince Varrassi and the 5th Avenue for creating a wonderful ambiance with their music; and Affairs to Remember for special lighting in the parking lot. It takes a community of exceptional people to make this vital annual event a success.”
Also, during the dinner, Stephen Pryce Lea, DBG Deputy Executive Director unveiled a “live” TV camera signal from the recently installed DBG Eagle Cam. This camera allows an online view of the DBG Eagle nest, where two bald eagles have successfully raised their young for the past few years.
Go to: https://www.delawaregardens.org/pepper-creek-eagle-cam
Pryce Lea said, “You will be thrilled to see the amazing panoramic view of Pepper Creek, while we await the return of the eagle pair.”