Spotlight on Candy Beaver

Each month we spotlight a volunteer, staff member, docent, donor, or sponsor of the Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG) — those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you know about these wonderful people and corporations that give so much to the Virginia Robinson Gardens and to the community, and what they do that is so impactful.

This month, we spotlight Candy Beaver, a wonderful and dedicated Friend. According to our new President, Lynn Whitaker, Candy has made such an impact with her volunteering services that she has been voted in as a member of the Board. She participates in the Children’s Outreach Program.

1. How did you first learn about VRG, and what inspired you to become a Friend? 

I have known about VRG for many years. But mostly as a beautiful location for events. Then my dear friends Lori and Natalie Gordon invited me to the Garden Tour. The day was fun, the gardens were gorgeous, and I saw so many friends that I hadn’t seen in years. From that point on, I was hooked and thrilled to have become a Friend.

2. What is your role – how do you contribute to VRG? 

I’m a fairly new member, so I haven’t had a chance to do too many things yet. Natalie and Lori took me under their wings and allowed me to serve on the Membership Committee. I helped with the Gingerbread House decorating activities, helped deliver boxes of candy to the members and work on the fun Membership Luncheon. In addition, I’ve been helping with the Children’s Science Program. Packing boxes, stuffing bags, counting items — every little bit makes such a huge difference to the children getting the projects, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.  I love working with children or doing anything to teach and/or help a child. So I’m super excited to be working even more closely with Kerstin and Patti this coming year on the Science Program.

3. Can you share a favorite VRG memory with us?

My favorite VRG memory is being a part of the “scheme” to make Natalie Gordon think she was giving my friend and me a tour of the gardens for an event we were having. When in fact, we were ultimately leading her to the King Palm Forest where her now, fiancé Kyle, was waiting to ask her to marry him. It was a picture-perfect day; Natalie said yes, and I will always remember what an amazing setting VRG provided for this special occasion.

4. Please add any additional information you would like to share!

I also enjoyed going to the VRG book club, the Tea, Scones & Gardens Reading Group. Unfortunately, I’ve only been able to attend one of the meetings. But I’ve continued to read the books that were chosen. It’s interesting to see how so many different people and/or activities were involved with Mrs. Robinson. Thank you to all of the members for making me feel so very welcome to the group.