By: Edir Coronado
Reeves-Reed Arboretum held a special fundraising Gala on Saturday June 4th to show appreciation to key contributors of the Arboretum’s success. Former Summit Mayor Ellen Dickson and her Husband Chip Dickson were both honored at the gala because of their relentless support and availability, not just for the Arboretum, but to all community entities that promote the growth of Summit.
“I first met Ellen Dickson when she was mayor. Immediately it was clear that she loved the Arboretum. She came to every event and many programs,” explained Frank Juliano executive director of the Arboretum. He added “then I got to meet her husband Chip and soon it became clear to me that these two people were so engaged in the health and growth of the community.” “I enjoy coming to the Arboretum to relax and enjoy nature”, said Ellen. “This is a special part of the community” added Chip. Although both Ellen and Chip appreciate the immense amount of praise they have received for the Arboretum’s fortune, they conveyed great gratitude to Juliano for the Arboretum’s prosperity.
The Summit Garden Club was also honored at the event and Ellen Hochberger the two-time chairperson for the club accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The Summit Garden Club and the Arboretum have a tight knit relationship, which allows both entities to flourish. “The Summit Garden Club was part of the team that helped ‘create’ Reeves-Reed Arboretum,” Juliano stated. Hochberger explained, “The Garden Club still maintains the herb garden here,” but that’s not the only involvement they have.
The Club also provides paid interns and contributes to the community involvement the Arboretum is known for by providing field trip opportunities to children outside of the Summit area. The Summit Garden Club and Arboretum’s relational history delves deep as one of the Garden Club members used to live in the house located in the Arboretum.
After the awards were presented the festivities continued with an auction to help raise monies, so that the Arboretum could continue with its goals. “Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a service organization, If you were to equate RRA to a for-profit business model, our product is service and our bottom line is people,” stated Juliano.
(above l-r) Ellen and Chip Dickson were honored by the Reeves-Reed Arboretum as key contributors.
(above) Ellen Hochberger accepted an award on behalf of the Summit Garden Club.
