(1888PressRelease)
April 07, 2009 - WHAT: “Save Our Garden” – a grassroots collection of volunteers raising funds and creating awareness about the announced closing of the American Orchid Society’s (AOS) four-acre public garden. Budget cuts and the downturned economy have deemed the garden too expensive to sustain and the deadline for its closure has been set for the end of May.
Horticulturists and orchid lovers are asked to pledge funds and spread the word in a last-ditch effort to keep the garden open and running.
A projected $500,000 deficit to cover the garden’s $2.5 million operating budget spurred the AOS Board to vote to close the gardens to the public and lay off about half of its approximately 25-member staff.
WHO: Jim Jordan, executive director, AOS
Jackie Wood, Boca Raton orchid enthusiast
Rhonda Heide, Jupiter orchid enthusiast
WHEN: Volunteers have until the AOS Board meets on April 24 to collect enough donations and pledges to keep the garden open.
WHERE: The garden is located at:
AOS National Headquarters
16700 AOS Lane
Delray Beach, FL 33446
DONATIONS: Can be mailed to:
Jim Jordan
AOS National Headquarters
16700 AOS Lane
Delray Beach, FL 33446
MORE INFORMATION: www.sflcouncil.org/News.html
CONTACT: Jim Jordan 561-404-2000; jjordan ( @ ) aos dot org
Jackie Wood bocaorchidlady ( @ ) aol dot com
Rhonda Heide rhonda.heide ( @ ) gmail dot com
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