The Garden Fund is a non-profit 501 c(3) organization that was created to meet the botanical needs of our public green spaces, particularly at Pinecrest Gardens, a topographically diverse historic garden nestled in the quiet community of Pinecrest, Florida. The Fund is comprised of a group of volunteers who appreciate the vital importance of preserving and enhancing local places of beauty and tran
quility, and who believe that our public gardens need extra help from the community to ensure that they survive and thrive. Most botanic and historic gardens have a not for profit organization that fulfills this specific need, and the Garden Fund was formed as an adjunct to the work that Pinecrest local government does in the Garden. Pinecrest Gardens, formerly the Parrot Jungle, consists of fourteen acres that include a Cypress Slough, majestic Banyans, a piece of Snapper Creek, ponds, a magnificent lake, winding pathways, an ancient hardwood hammock, and a vast array of exotic plant life. The property was purchased by the Village in 2002, and at that time it was in terrible disrepair. Great strides have since been made by local government, but budgetary limitations persist. Since its inception in 2007, the Garden Fund has raised significant monies through events and donations, has attracted a large number of volunteers and members, and has targeted and funded specific botanical improvement projects in the Garden. Our annual “Soiree in the Garden” has become a highly anticipated nighttime event which showcases the beauty of the garden and attracts a large number of guests, while at the same time raising much-needed funds. We also participate in local events and partner with other organizations from time to time in order to promote awareness of this unique garden and its many needs. This garden is alive with opportunity for discovery-historical, botanical, and educational. Our goal is to preserve the integrity of the landscape, thoughtfully manage its evolution, share it with the public, and protect it for future generations. Garden Fund Board of Directors 2017
Lynn Wille Fichman - President
Pat Vandenberg- Vice-President
Candy McDonald- Secretary
Sharon Kujawa – Treasurer
Paul Sasso-Esquire
Karen Mashburn-Chairman
Annette Bonnier
Ellen Book
Debra Wellins
