Message from President Patti Reinstein

Dear Friends,

Welcome back after what I hope has been a fun, restful and enriching summer.   As your new President, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the work of the Friends of Robinson Gardens.   We have been given the  responsibility, in conjunction with the County of Los Angeles, for the restoration, renovation and active Children’s Programs at Virginia Robinson Gardens.  It was Virginia’s hope and our duty to keep this exquisite property as a living museum for the benefit of the public.

With the lazy days of summer behind us, it is time to capture our restored energy, roll up our sleeves and renew our commitment to the work before us at this incredible estate.  We need each and every one of you to take an active part in keeping VRG vibrant and alive.   Volunteers are the foundation of our success.  Whether you want to chair or serve on one of our many committees, be trained as a docent, act as a hostess at one of our events, help decorate the house for the holidays, or assist with any one of the many jobs for Garden Tour in the spring, helping hands are always welcome.

There are many cultural events during the year to broaden your horizon…Education programs on stimulating and interesting topics…Horticulture classes give by our wonderfully talented Superintendent Tim Lindsay, who has dedicated more than 20 years of service to this estate…Create beautiful floral arrangements with our extraordinary Andrey Yun…Botanical painting classes with talented artists like world renowned Anne Marie Evans…Excursions to local and far away gardens that expand our views of nature.

Join us for our first fundraiser of the year on September 15, “Mrs. Robinson’s Supper Club,” our Patron Gala extravaganza, a musical evening under the stars on the Great Lawn.   We will be honoring Syd Leibovitch, owner and innovative leader of Rodeo Realty with the “Spirit of Beverly Hills Award.”  Our own Leslie Kavanaugh will receive the “Camellia Award” for her many years of philanthropic work with a wide variety of causes and her special passion and dedication to the work of the Friends of Robinson Gardens.

Be our guests at our annual Membership Luncheon that will be held on October 5th.  This provides an opportunity for our new members to mix and mingle with longstanding members and to get to know one another.  You can tour the gardens and learn about special opportunities, educational lectures, classes and other activities that are offered by the Friends throughout the year.

Garden Tour will be held on May 19, 2019 and will be chaired this year by Kathy Choi and Keeley Smith.  In addition to privately owned gardens to be viewed, the home of Virginia and Harry Robinson is dressed in floral finery that takes one’s breath away.   This spectacular display provides a feast for the senses.  Come and be a part of this breathtaking event.

Throughout the year, there are so many opportunities to give both of and to yourself at Robinson Gardens.  You will be rewarded either way.  Renew old friendships and make some new ones.

I am looking forward to getting to know you.

Warmly,

Patti Reinstein