Nature's Helpers
Texas Discovery Gardens blooms with philanthropy for 2014 Flora Awards
Some of Dallas most charitable citizens gathered at Texas Discovery Gardens to celebrate Suzy and Tom Rhodes, recipients of the 2014 Flora Award, who were being honored for their dedication and support of the botanical institution at Fair Park.
Flowers from Garden Gate set an opulent scene, and the Steve Bayless Orchestra serenaded guests — including Barbara Hunt Crow, Billie Leigh Rippey, Cindy and Charlie Feld, Caroline Rose Hunt, and Karen and Denis Boulle — during the cocktail reception, where event chair Stacey Beck and the honorees happily mingled among the crowd of supporters.
What followed was a seated dinner prepared by Cassandra Fine Catering and the official bestowing of honors. Hunt Crow, the 2012 Flora Award recipient, introduced the Rhodes and presented them with the crystal Flora Award designed by deBoulle.
The humble award recipients individually shared their gratitude for the honor and for Texas Discovery Garden’s mission to ensure that children and adults discover and learn to sustain the natural world. TDG executive director Dick Davis chimed in with additional thanks for all of the donations that directly led to some recent renovations, including a refreshed gift shop and the historic Minnie Marcus Garden.
Perhaps most impressive is the new National Learning Center that was built by Davis himself. It was carefully designed and crafted out of reclaimed materials and serves as an outdoor classroom, native snake exhibit, greenhouse and green gardening demonstration site. Talk about leadership.
The Flora Award has been presented in support of Texas Discovery Gardens since its inception in 1982. It serves to recognize outstanding citizens who have demonstrated a commitment to community service, education, and the advancement of the environment and quality of life.