Selby Gardens announces matching gift challenge from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation to the Gardens COVID-19 Crisis Operating Fund
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation will match gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000
SARASOTA, FL – March 31, 2020: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (MSBG) is thrilled to announce that the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation has stepped forward with a matching gift challenge to inspire individuals to help Selby Gardens at this critical time. The Toulmin Foundation will match every dollar contributed to Selby Gardens COVID-19 Crisis Operating Fund up to $50,000 starting today.
“We are honored and grateful to receive this vital support for our organization that brings joy to many in our community,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, President & CEO of Selby Gardens. “The Toulmin Foundation’s leadership ensures that Selby Gardens can come out of this crisis ready to welcome guests as soon as reopening is possible.”
Currently, Selby Gardens is facing a loss of $25,000 each day that the Gardens are closed to the public due to COVID-19. Two-thirds of Selby Gardens annual operating budget is derived from earned revenues such as daily admission, memberships, cafe sales, and gift shop purchases — all of which have halted with the temporary closure.
“This matching gift challenge was inspired by Virginia, as we know she would have been one of the first people to step up to help organizations such as Selby Gardens during such a critical time,” says William S. Villafranco, Co-Trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. “We hope that it inspires others to do the same.”
About Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic plants such as orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns and other tropical plants, with a focus on botany, horticulture and environmental education. For more information, please visit www.selby.org. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas. Regular admission is $20 and $10 children ages 4-17; members and children 3 and under enter free. Contact us at (941) 366-5731 or selby.org. Get social with us on Facebook, Instagram and more by searching @selbygardens.
Salvador Dali: Gardens of the Mind
February 9 through June 28, 2020
*Our Mission: To provide an oasis of inspiration and tranquility, while furthering the understanding and appreciation of plants, especially epiphytes.*
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