Articles

Dear Friends of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation,

What an exciting year to be involved in the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park! This year marked the opening of the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, one of the first of its kind in Michigan. Members of the Foundation’s Bonsai and Perennial Societies were provided a private tour of the Japanese Garden to gain an insider’s understanding of this very special space. 2015 was also the first year of the endowed Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition assuring its continuation in perpetuity. So many other special developments happened in 2015 and will continue to occur at Meijer Gardens. Please read David Hooker’s update in this report. This is indeed an exciting time to be a member of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation.

Fred Meijer once said, “If we enjoy the past, we ought to contribute to the future,” and I’d like to personally thank each and every one of you for donating in 2015. Your gifts provide 22% of the revenue necessary to cover Meijer Gardens’ operating cost, and allowed more than 28,000 members and 776,000 guests to enjoy the unique mission of horticulture and sculpture.

Any donation to the Fredrik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation is key in helping Meijer Gardens grow and bloom forever. In fact, each year without the very significant support from the Foundation, Meijer Gardens would have to radically reduce its commitment to exhibitions and programming. Our elite Bonsai and Perennial Society members help those investments grow exponentially, by donating $10,000+, either in a cash gift or an estate plan.

Because gifts from the Bonsai and Perennial Societies make such a huge difference in the future of Meijer Gardens, Bonsai and Perennial Society members have an exclusive chance to see the newest exhibits – like the Japanese Garden – at the annual donor recognition event.

This report is a great way to see how all gifts to the Foundation make a difference in the beauty of Meijer Gardens. Thank you again for your contribution, for leaving a legacy that will grow and bloom forever.

Dirk C. Hoffius,
President