Founder's Gala

You’re invited to celebrate the impact and legacy of The North Carolina Arboretum’s founding director, George Briggs, at a special Gala event in support of the Arboretum’s present and future.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor a one-of-a-kind founder, and the evolution from a “bank trailer in the woods,” to the revered 434-acre statewide Arboretum that it is today. Did you know that the Arboretum’s education programs now reach all 100 counties in North Carolina?

Gather together under a tented canopy in the Education Center Plaza for a plated dinner and a program. Advanced ticket purchases are required.

Guests attending the Gala will have the opportunity to share their favorite memories with George and the Arboretum.

Limited individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities available.

Individual Tickets

All tickets include a plated dinner, drinks and a program.

Sponsorship Levels

Sponsorships open to individuals, families, businesses and organizations. All sponsorship levels include complimentary tickets and program recognition. The deadline for printed recognition is July 10, 2024.

$10,000 | GALA SPONSOR

• 8 tickets (Full table)
• Program Recognition
• Complimentary or Gift Membership
• 20 Day Passes to the Arboretum
• Behind-the-scenes tour of the Arboretum

$5,000 | GALA HOST

• 4 tickets (Half table)
• Program Recognition
• Complimentary or Gift Membership
• 10 Day Passes to the Arboretum
• Behind-the-scenes tour of the Arboretum

$1,000 | GALA PATRON

• 2 tickets
• Program Recognition
• Complimentary or Gift Membership
• 5 Day Passes to the Arboretum
• Behind-the-scenes tour of the Arboretum

For additional sponsorship payment methods or questions please contact Erin Adams, Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager, at 828-665-2492 x 225 or [email protected].

50% of Gala ticket sales directly support the newly established George & Sara Briggs Family Endowment. To learn more about the Arboretum and the Founder’s Celebration events please visit ncarboretum.org/founder-celebrations.

Can’t make it to the event? Consider a donation to the Arboretum in honor of George & Sara Briggs:

Be a Part of the Arboretum’s Future

In tandem with the Founder’s Gala, the Arboretum is honored to announce the new George and Sara Briggs Family Endowment for Art, Landscape & Inspiration. This fund will create positive and lasting impressions for visitors of all ages by supporting elements characteristic of The North Carolina Arboretum and its unique setting within the Southern Appalachian region. To support the endowment please visit ncarboretum.org/briggs-endowment.

Be a Part of the Arboretum’s Present

To give to the Arboretum’s ONE Fund, which directly supports the highest and greatest needs of the organization please visit ncarboretum.org/donate-now.

Image credit: The year 1994 was exciting, after years of planning, in that the core garden and parking areas would begin to take shape with the Grand Promenade and Stream, Quilt and Heritage Gardens taking center stage.

Event Logistics

This event will be held rain or shine under a climate-controlled tent in the Education Center Plaza. Transportation from the parking lot will be available. Dress is garden cocktail attire.

For additional questions please contact Development at 828-665-2492 or [email protected].

Traveling for the Gala?

Visit this page for special rates on area hotel accommodations with Arboretum Community Partner Biltmore Farms.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, United States