Botanical Gardens to host inaugural 'Botanical Bash' fundraiser in honor of Mark Mortenson

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Press Release & Images

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens announced its annual fundraiser will be celebrated in a brand-new way and in a new season: spring. The “Botanical Bash” is a reimagined version of the longstanding formal annual fundraising event. This lively cocktail-style party will feature entertainment, games, food, drinks and fundraising. The event will take place from 6-10 pm. Friday, May 2. The Botanical Gardens' organizers say it's a “a good time for a great cause.”

The “Botanical Bash” will also honor the life and leadership of former President and CEO Mark Mortenson, after his untimely passing in September of 2024. The inaugural event will bring together members of the community to partake in games, food, drinks, entertainment, and a digital silent auction experience to support the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens' mission. Attendees will enjoy an open bar, a cocktail party-style meal, desserts, music and entertainment, games, dancing, a digital auction experience, valet parking and more. Games such as “Botanical Bowling” and “Plant Plinko” will invite guests to play and win prizes for some added fun. A stilt-walking wonder will also add to the entertainment.

Food and drinks will be provided by the Botanical Gardens' catering partners: Buffalo Bubble Bar, Buffalo Catering Co., Curly's Grille, Fat Bob's, Salvatore's Hospitality and The Grazeful Gatherer. An open bar and food stations will be set up throughout the conservatory to encourage guests to explore the tropical paradise and enjoy the fresh scents of the spring flower exhibit.

Mark Mortenson

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"Our ‘Botanical Bash’ is taking on a whole new approach that really puts the 'fun' in fundraising,” President and CEO Erin Grajek said. “As we celebrate our 125th anniversary and embark on a monumental new project, we will come together to honor our dear friend, Mark Mortenson, and his passion for the future of the Botanical Gardens. We encourage attendees to wear their brightest colors and florals in honor of Mark's vibrancy for life and color."

Guests will be invited to contribute to the annual mission project, which raises funds for a particular project. This year's mission project will be unveiled at the event, and attendees will receive an exclusive first-look at the project. They can participate in the silent auction and donate to the mission project, which will be managed through a digital platform for a simplified fundraising experience. The silent auction will feature impressive packages with a wide range of interests and price points. Attendees will be encouraged to make donations to the project on the night of the event, and will also have the opportunity to do so after the event through a website, which will then be available to the public.

Tickets to the “Botanical Bash” include an open bar, a cocktail party-style meal, desserts, music and entertainment and valet parking and more. Purchase online at buffalogardens.com.