The San Antonio Botanical Garden announced the successful completion of its philanthropic capital campaign. The GROW Plants. People. Possibilities. capital campaign raised $39 million, making it the largest fundraising initiative in the Botanical Garden’s history.
Hundreds of donors contributed to the multi-million-dollar campaign. These donors represent people who support the mission of the Garden and are deeply invested in ensuring the long-term sustainability of this beautiful urban oasis. Their donations supported the expansion of the Botanical Garden by adding eight-acres in 2017, bringing dramatic new opportunities for visitors to discover the ever-increasing value of plants, water and freshly grown food. Most recently in 2020, the Botanical Garden completed the construction of the Phase II campaign, culminating in new transformational gardens and facilities, including a state-of-the-art event space, The Betty Kelso Center.
The GROW Phase I capital campaign was chaired by Karen and Jim Greenwood, Honorary Chairs Claire Alexander and Bill Scanlan, and Community Chairs Kristen and Rick Casey. The GROW Phase II capital campaign was chaired by Jeff Rochelle and Honorary Chairs Karen and Jim Greenwood. These visionaries know how important the natural world is to health and happiness and understand the role that the Botanical Garden plays in fostering a lifelong appreciation of plants and nature.
“The GROW capital campaign is a tremendous success for the Botanical Garden and our community,” says Jeff Rochelle, Phase II chair, GROW capital campaign. “We couldn’t have achieved our goal without the support and commitment of every single member of the Phase I and II committees.”
“The impact of this capital campaign on the Botanical Garden’s future is invaluable,” says Karen Greenwood, Phase I chair, GROW capital campaign. “Jim and I thank those who believed in the vision for this expansion and came together to make it a reality.
Phase I and II of the capital campaign brought new opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature. Major features include:
Phase I – The Garden Gateway, Ewing Halsell Welcome Building, The Mays Family Display Garden, H-E-B Discovery Center, The Zachry Foundation Culinary Garden, the CHEF Outdoor Teaching Kitchen in the Goldsbury Foundation Pavilion, and the 2.5-acre Family Adventure Garden.
Phase II – The Betty Kelso Center, Greehey Lawn, the John L. Santikos Fountain of the Ferns, Administration Building, and renovations to the Sullivan Carriage House.
The new gardens and facilities are being activated with special family and adult programming, educational classes, blockbuster exhibitions and events. Now more than ever, the investment of this capital campaign means that people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the power of nature for years to come.
“The generosity of our donors has enabled us to transform the gardens into a world-class destination in the heart of the city along the cultural corridor,” says Sabina Carr, Chief Executive Officer, San Antonio Botanical Garden. “We watch with joy as we activate these new garden amenities from Storytime in the Garden on the lush Greehey Lawn to hosting a wedding in the architecturally stunning Betty Kelso Center. Delivering on our mission has never been more exciting and rewarding.”
