San Antonio Botanical Garden Hosts Annual Gala

By Jake Gaines    Photography by Greg Harrison and Limelight Productions

THE SETTING: For the annual Splendor in the Garden event, after a day of downpour, the clouds parted and the blue sky welcomed more than 700 people to enjoy the lush grounds of the San Antonio Botanical Garden. This year’s theme, Urban Oasis: Honoring the Sun, Soil, and Soul of San Antonio, honored the City of San Antonio for its support over the past 38 years, with the city’s Mayor Ron Nirenberg making remarks to accept the honor.

Guests enjoyed music by Volcan while sipping on the Gala’s signature cocktail drink, The Three Rubies, an original recipe created by resident Chef Dave Terrazas. Guests made their way to dinner at the Lucille Halsell Conservatory, with dinner provided by the RK Group. Danny Cuellar with Danesa and Alex Woehrle of Trinity Flowers provided the floral décor. Mariachi Las Alteñas, known for their musical diversity that appeals to crowds of all generations, provided additional entertainment for the event along with DJ Sound Cream later in the evening.

THE STYLE: Guests walked through a newly designed Garden entrance and the Mays Family Display Garden. On their way to the Family Adventure Garden where the cocktail reception was held, guests were greeted by the Children Vegetable Garden kids. The event supports the Botanical Garden’s mission to inspire people to connect with the plant world and understand the importance of plants in the city residents’ lives.

THE PURPOSE:  Linda and Jack Gunter  and Bette and Jack Vexler served as the gala’s chairs, while Danny Cuellar, Danesa and Alex Woehrle, Magdalena and Raul Gaona, Jr., MD, and Andrea Pichler served as the Creative Committee co-chairs. Amy Cox chaired the event’s raffle. The gala’s proceeds provides generous support of Fund the Bus programs that enables the organization to serve nearly 10,000 children through school field trips, children’s vegetable garden program, family events, and nature walks.