2025 Ambassadors:
HUNTER BLANCHARD
“Growing up, I remember visiting the Garden each Mother’s Day, walking through the lush conservatories, taking in the beauty of the spring blooms, and spending quality time with the ones I cherish. My love for the natural world and visits to the Garden influenced me to pursue a career in horticulture. It is sometimes hard to believe that my journey has taken me back to the land I once visited as a child. It is an absolute pleasure to be a part of the NEBG team caring for the gardens that inspired me and helping guests of all ages fall in love with nature.
Please join me in supporting our goal to connect people with plants by donating to Giving Week.”
—Hunter Blanchard
KATHLEEN DEVERICKS
“Whether I am gardening, conducting tours, greeting guests or roaming around, every visit I make to NEBG provides examples of where ‘Experiences with plants inspire people and improve the world’. From the smallest pollinator gathering nectar to one of the spectacular vistas of the property, everywhere I look I am enfolded in a sense of calmness and tranquility. Please join me in supporting a destination that can also be your haven of peace. Giving a gift to New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is giving a gift to yourself. Thank you!”
—Kathleen Devericks
GRACE ELTON
“I see the transformative power of nature every day at the Garden. The vibrant spaces and educational programs inspire thousands of visitors, fostering a deep connection to the environment and a strong sense of community.
Your generosity helps maintain the living collection, supports conservation efforts, and provides learning opportunities for all. I would be honored if you joined me in supporting the beauty and wonder the Garden provides year-round.”
—Grace Elton
MARISSA GALLANT
“My favorite area of the Garden is the Wildlife Refuge Pond. There is so much interesting plant and animal life to discover and is the perfect spot to relax and connect. It also serves as a great outdoor classroom! It is beautiful year-round but my favorite time to visit is in early autumn as the leaves begin to change or early spring when the Red-Winged Blackbirds return. I support the Garden because of all the opportunities it creates for our visitors to experience, explore, and fall in love with nature.”
—Marissa Gallant
SARAH GAROFALO
“Working closely with the Garden’s members, I have the privilege of hearing the countless reasons why people choose New England Botanic Garden as their sanctuary. Whether you visit to immerse yourself in plants and nature, enjoy our exhibits and art installations, take a walk along our scenic trails, or simply have lunch overlooking Wachusett Reservoir, the Garden offers endless opportunities for enjoyment.
I truly appreciate its commitment to progress and the positive changes that are continually being considered and implemented. Supporting New England Botanic Garden is supporting progress, and quite literally, growth.”
—SARAH GAROFALO
LISA KIRBY GIBBS
“NEBG at Tower Hill is a fabulous place to enjoy and learn, not only for my family but for all of Massachusetts. It’s a wonderful place to visit with friends for a walk, lunch in the cafe, and have conversations. I have spent many a day there as a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, sharing friendship through exploration with my Little. It is also a perfect place for family time, whether your kids are little or adults. My son, Brandon, is an avid photographer and always finds a plethora of photo ops at NEBG. My daughter, Ellery, was married there last year, the most perfect setting for a wedding I have ever seen, rain or shine. (luckily, it was shining!)”
—Lisa Kirby Gibbs
ROBERT GRAHAM
“As the Land Steward Supervisor at New England Botanic Garden, I’ve built my career around conservation, native plants, and ecological land management. Here at the Garden, we steward over 140 acres of natural areas representing meadows, woodlands, and wetlands. We engage in conservation projects like restoring the American Chestnut, managing invasive species, and protecting rare habitat types and plants. The garden is a refuge for plants and wildlife, and an inspiration for visitors who want to learn how to steward their own landscape with practices that support healthy ecosystems.
Please join me in supporting this unique and influential garden!”
—Robert Graham
Please join me in supporting New England Botanic Garden by donating to Grow the Garden Week of Giving.
GITU JAIN
“I resonate deeply with New England Botanic Garden’s mission of creating experiences with plants that inspire people and improve the world. The Garden’s commitment goes beyond caring for plants and ecosystems; it prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship and educates people through its impactful initiatives and programs, which is more vital now than ever.
The Garden is a space that welcomes people from diverse backgrounds with different interests and creates meaningful connections and enriching experiences with nature. Witnessing the joy and wonder that people experience in the Garden is very rewarding to me, and that’s why I am dedicated to supporting the Giving Week campaign. I hope you will join me in supporting the Garden.”
—Gitu Jain
ERIN KUTZ
“The Garden is a sanctuary for plants and people. I support this campaign because the Garden is a welcoming environment to all and will continue to bring people together, whether it is to decompress in nature, to inspire curiosity, or to embark on a new experience.
I am so proud to be connected to a place that brings so much joy to others!”
—Erin Kutz
JESSICA LANG
“I am thrilled to be part of the Grow the Garden Week of Giving campaign. The Garden is more than just a beautiful place to visit – it’s a living, breathing hub of education, conservation, and community. I choose to support this campaign because I believe in the power of nature to inspire and heal, and I want to ensure that this incredible resource continues to thrive for future generations.
Every donation helps the Garden grow, fostering a greener, healthier world for all of us. Join me in giving back to a place that gives so much!”
—Jessica Lang
THERESA LEE
“I love representing New England Botanic Garden as a proud member of the staff that brings so much joy to so many people. Working behind the scenes to create a beautiful, healthy space for people to enjoy, relax, and delight in the wonders of nature is so gratifying. When a child squeals with delight at a discovery, or seniors comment on the beauty and of the Garden, I am grateful for them just being there. Life is so precious, and we really should stop and smell the roses.”
—Theresa Lee
RICK LEIF
“Jean and I have been members at the garden since the 1990’s and have always loved the beauty and respite it provides for us each time we visit. We are so impressed to see the growth in the number of gardens and the new programs that have been added through the years and all the new visitors that have come to take advantage of this wonderful place.
Please join us in supporting the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill so it can continue to grow and prosper.”
—Rick Leif
JULIA METZIDAKIS
“The Garden is a truly special place, and I am proud to support its efforts to connect people with plants. Each day, I am deeply moved by the conversations, memories, and experiences visitors share while at the Garden. New England Botanic Garden’s vision of an inclusive space that offers respite, joy, and education aligns closely with my values, and I am pleased to support such a worthwhile cause. I would be honored if you joined me in supporting Giving Week.“
—Julia Metzidakis
EVAN NELSON
“The peace that the Garden provides is unique. Every day, I see all types of people enjoying the Garden in different ways, whether it be to smell the flowers, get their steps in, or look for frogs. People have fallen in love, become friends, and mourned loved ones here at the Garden. So many different memories have been created here, whether it be an important business meeting, a night lights outing, or a fun art class. Visitors get married, learn about plants, drink beer, and dance to music. They read in the shade, laugh with their friends, buy gifts for their friends, and look for gnomes. For some, it may be a one-time visit they look back on fondly. For others, it is a lifelong relationship with love, heartbreak, hard work, and everything in between. The Garden provides a great space for people to get away from the hectic world and make new memories. As someone who loves hiking, my favorite place is the summit where I can look out over the Wachusett Reservoir.
A donation ensures that this cherished space continues to inspire moments big and small.”
—Evan Nelson
SYED NOORWEZ
“I support and serve the Garden because it provides a unique opportunity for people to connect through the beauty of nature. It’s a place where the community can come together to learn, relax, and appreciate the incredible diversity of nature. Each visit to the Garden brings a new adventure; whether there’s an orchid show, Night Lights, or even musical performances, New England Botanical Garden at Tower Hill truly has something for everyone. The Garden is a place of solace and a therapeutic environment, especially in a time when mental health issues become increasingly prevalent.”
—Syed Noorwez
KENT RUSSELL
Please join me in supporting New England Botanic Garden by donating to Grow the Garden Week of Giving.
SALLY STANTON
“It is my pleasure to serve as an Ambassador for the Garden. In my meetings with members and donors, I often hear how much the Garden means to people. They were inspired by the designs, learned from our classes, encouraged by our research, and entertained by plant shows and exhibitions. The Garden is an important cultural and natural gathering place for young and old. Please join me in supporting New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.”
—Sally Stanton
SHANNON WALL
“For me and my family, the New England Botanical Gardens is a treasured natural refuge that we are so fortunate to have in the area. Whether you’re there to admire the gardens, enjoy a hike, or attend a class there is so much to appreciate.
Help contribute to my goal to support these experiences and for continued environmental stewardship.”
—Shannon Wall
ROSE YELINALCH
“I am choosing to support the Garden because of the community that is fostered here.
I have the incredible opportunity to work with folks here on so many different scales, all of whom have such a deep appreciation and respect for the Garden. Whether honoring late loved ones, getting together with friends for a tour, or celebrating a special new chapter, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is an incredibly special place for so many people. Everyone who works or volunteers here puts so much love and passion into creating a welcoming and positive community, and it is felt in every nook and corner of the property.
It is an honor to have even a small part in this amazing organization. Please join me in growing the Garden this Giving Week!”
—Rose Yelinalch
VOLUNTEER TO FUNDRAISE
Join Volunteers, Staff, Board, and Trustees to help Grow the Garden by becoming a Garden Ambassador.
By sharing your appreciation of New England Botanic Garden with your family and friends, you are helping the Garden meet its mission by supporting horticultural and educational programs for thousands of visitors. Interested in becoming an Ambassador? Contact the Manager of Annual Giving, Julia Metzidakis, at jmetzidakis@nebg.org.
THANK YOU TO OUR CHALLENGE DONORS
Anonymous
Greg and Lauren Brown
Taylor Bearden
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Jean and Anthony Poteete
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