• Huntsville Botanical Garden

The 2023 Garden Soiree is sold out.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
at the Huntsville Botanical Garden

The Garden Soirée is an enchanting evening of philanthropy outside at the Garden, featuring cocktails, a three-course dinner by James Boyce, and a live auction. Guests enjoy a night of natural elegance, all to benefit the mission activities of the Garden.

All proceeds from the Garden Soirée support the Garden’s mission work of connecting people to plants in order to create a healthier quality of life for the region.

Please email development@hsvbg.org with questions about the event.

Live Auction Sneak Peek

Check out these great live auction items & experiences below, and get your best bids ready! Kevin Daniels, Auctioneer, will be joining us for an exciting live auction, and some great things up for grabs! Enjoy this sneak peek of a few of the auction items up for bid—more to come!

2024 Kentucky Derby for Two

150th Running of the Kentucky Derby Witness the historic 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in the newly renovated Churchill Downs with two 2nd or 3rd floor Grandstand tickets (reserved tip-up seats with backs; partially covered) on Saturday, May 4, 2024. You’ll have an elevated view of the First Turn of the track. The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” for its duration and is also called “The Run for the Roses” for the blanket of roses draped over the winner. It is the first leg of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown and draws over 155,000 fans each year.
Kentucky Oaks
Enjoy two 2nd or 3rd floor Grandstand tickets (reserved tipup seats with backs; partially covered) to the Friday, May 3, 2024 Kentucky Oaks.
VIP Fast Access Pass
This will allow for faster and more secured access into Churchill Downs’ gates 1, 10, and 17.
In-Track Concessions
Indulge in all the flavors of the Kentucky Derby with In-Track Concessions, including access to unlimited traditional Churchill Downs concession options, unique small vendors and premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
2024 KENTUCKY DERBY – FIRST TURN
• Two 2nd or 3rd Floor Grandstand tickets to the 2024 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4
• Two 2nd or 3rd Floor Grandstand tickets to the 2024 Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 3
• In-Track Concessions for 2 – including access to unlimited traditional Churchill Downs concession options, unique small vendors and premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• VIP Fast Access Pass allowing for faster and more secured access into Churchill Downs
• Round-trip ground transfers between your hotel and both events
• 3-night stay (check in Thursday; check out Sunday) in a standard guest room at select hotel accommodations in Louisville
• Giveback XP Booking Services

This trip includes:
-Two (2) 2nd or 3rd Floor Grandstand tickets to the 2024 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4
-Two (2) 2nd or 3rd Floor Grandstand tickets to the 2024 Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 3
-In-Track Concessions for 2 – including access to unlimited traditional Churchill Downs concession options, unique small vendors and premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
-VIP Fast Access Pass allowing for faster and more secured access into Churchill Downs
-One-time, round-trip motor coach ground transportation to/from hotel and track on Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days
-3-night stay (check in Thursday; check out Sunday) at select hotel accommodations in Louisville
-Concierge booking services

Be a Galaxy VIP!

Be a VIP! On November 16, up to 15 guests will enjoy an experience, tailored to fit your needs – whether its a festive family affair or a company executive leadership team-building experience — the Garden’s Development & Hospitality teams are at your service! Enjoy exclusive festivities in the Hospitality Suite, overlooking the Propst Guest Center atrium and the entrance to the Garden, and enjoy touring the Galaxy of Lights walking experience before the general public does!

Donny dazzles again!

When it comes to exquisite jewelry, nothing captures the essence of luxury quite like dazzling diamonds set in 18k white gold. This timeless combination of precious stones and precious metal creates a stunning and elegant aesthetic that is sure to turn heads. This dazzling 18k white gold pendant, on a delicate white gold chain, is accentuated with 60 pave-set diamonds is the perfect statement piece to add to your fine jewelry collection.

James Boyce dinner for 6 at Cotton Row

The three-course meal that you’re enjoying tonight, from Boyce Restaurant Concepts is just a preview of what’s to come! Enjoy one of Huntsville’s finest dining options: Cotton Row. This experience includes dinner for six (6) and a wine pairing to complement your meal. This experience will require an advance reservation to Cotton Row and does not include gratuity for the staff.

Laura Walker – Live Painting Artist

Laura Walker is a beloved local artist who taught art classes and managed an art studio in Cullman, Alabama. For over ten years, her work has been regularly featured at art festivals and gallery shows across the Southeast. A fixture at the Monte Sano Arts Festival in Huntsville, enthusiasts love her whimsical, brightly colored, and highly textured Creative Creatures series – she has even painted two delightful murals for the Garden! Laura believes in doing art with emotion, with meaning, and with a soul.
The Garden Soiree is pleased to showcase Laura and her creative process as she “live paints” during this year’s event.
The inspiration for her live painting is a lovely scene from the Garden that will be certain to focus on conveying emotion as well as include the bright colors and textures her collectors have come to cherish. Garden Soiree’ guests should plan to stop by and watch the artist at work.

The finished piece will be included as a part of the Garden Soiree’s fabulous live auction offerings (canvas size 24” x 36”). Laura plans to begin the painting during the event and then finish the piece at her studio. Upon completion, the finished work can be delivered to the winning guest (within a 25 mile radius), or will be available for pick up at the Garden.

Brunch Bunch

Let’s Brunch! Bid on this exciting early afternoon brunch with one of the area’s most fun hosts, as he opens his home for you and your friends (up to ten people.) This auction experience features fun, mingling, mimosas, and delicious brunch fare at the Hampton Cove home of Hank Isenberg. Experience must be and on a mutually agreeable date with host and winning auction bidder.

Loring Jewelry Bracelet

Handcrafted in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, this Marco Bicego 18K yellow gold bracelet with rose cut mixed gemstones is hand engraved by Italian artisians. The bracelet is from the Jaipur Collection and is inspired by a tropical Indian sunset and the stone-cutting heritage of Jaipur.

Big Game, Big BBQ

The Kirkpatrick family’s Big Game Lodge on the scenic Flint River usually takes the cake when it comes to cool spaces, but when you add a catered dinner from Bubba’s, and adult beverages to the mix, you’ve got yourself a recipe for fun. The winner of this auction item will enjoy a catered dinner for 12 courtesy of Michael Kirkpatrick, and adult beverages courtesy of the Garden Soiree committee, for an evening of fun in the Kirkpatrick family’s Big Game Lodge.

Bourbon and Barbecue

Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, and Booker’s… oh my! No need to travel to Kentucky to experience this full-service bourbon tasting for 10. Each guest will enjoy 10-0.5oz pours while indulging in this rare collection, learning more, and hearing some fantastic stories from Dr. Jim McCarty. In addition to rare and hard-to-find bourbons, provided by the Morrow family will be a BBQ feast that will complement the bourbon notes and you’ll enjoy stunning views at the McCarty home.

Bouquet of Lilies

What could be more perfect for a live auction at the Garden Soiree than this 22″x30″ mixed media painting from local artist Yuri Ozaki, featuring a bouquet of lilies?! The design was inspired by Japanese kimonos which often feature highly stylized images of flowers. The artist is mesmerized by the dreamlike quality which the kimono patterns create and this stunning painting is her attempt to create a similar effect.

Dinner for ten at the home of Katie Waite

Hors d’oeuvres and a welcoming glass of sparkling wine await for ten guests as they will enjoy the terrace overlooking the pond; gardens; and the Tennessee Valley at the Lacey’s Spring home of Katie Waite. As twilight descends, move inside to partake in a multi-course wine dinner prepared to complement specially selected wines from the cellar of Donna & Bill Shergy. The wines will focus on domestic wines from the Pacific Northwest featuring great sparkling wines, pinot noir from Oregon and the amazing Cabernet and Rhone blends from Washington state. You may select one of the following Saturdays in 2024: March 9, 16, 23.

Relax & Retreet

Relax and retreat to Lake Guntersville — there you’ll enjoy a 2-night stay at ReTreet, among many other great local-to-Guntersville items. Nestled on 40 acres near beautiful Lake Guntersville, Alabama, the 17 resort-style treehouses offer the perfect destination for a quick getaway. Additionally, this auction item features a $50 giftcard for La Esquina Cocina at City Harbor or Downtown Huntsville where you can enjoy “authentic Mexican food with a modern touch.” Also enjoy a $50 gift certificate to Home Re-Décor in Guntersville – an upscale home décor store, and also a $25 gift certificate to The Cigar Room at City Harbor in addition to a small Gurkha humidor, a Perdomo ashtray, and other great accessories.