Red Butte Garden Volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation Reception, December 2021.
A NOTE OF THANKS TO OUR EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEERS “Thank you” does not begin to describe how grateful we are for all the hours served by our volunteers. We are continually inspired by their generosity, commitment, and effort, which has made this year such a success. We were excited to welcome our volunteers back into the Garden after being shut out for more than a year. In 2021, 286 dedicated volunteers put in 35,964 hours serving as docents and tram drivers, working on crews hosting concerts and events, and assisting staff in our horticulture, membership, curation, and school programs departments. We appreciate their perseverance through the evolving pandemic protocols, floods, extreme heat, and poor air quality that plagued us for much of the season. Our docents, tram drivers, and special events volunteers helped greet and educate individuals who visited the Garden from all over the world. Their patience, friendliness, and knowledge went a long way in educating guests and fostering their love for gardening. We appreciated the support of the concert crew who worked 25 performances in 63 days. One volunteer said she felt like she was part of a family. We saw that through the teamwork and comradery that was shown night after night. Our horticulture crew were especially patient as we addressed staffing shortages and restructured the assignment areas for different sections of the Garden. The volunteers worked tirelessly to help keep the Garden in shape for our guests to enjoy. Our curation and membership volunteers quietly served in the background, but their assistance didn’t go unnoticed. We couldn’t run Red Butte Garden without them helping answer questions and compiling materials for events and mailings. The school programs volunteers shared their knowledge with over 3,000 students this fall. One student commented it was the best day of his life. The volunteers were able to create meaningful connections with students and help inspire the next generation of leaders and scientists—and hopefully a few botanists. Volunteers at Red Butte Garden are the heart and soul of everything we do. There is simply no way that we could pay them back for their gifts of time, attention, care, and love that they extend to the Garden, guests, and staff. Our volunteers are extremely good-natured, funny, smart, nice people. They show up each day ready to learn and share something new, meet other interesting people, and make a difference in our community with their service. We love our volunteers, and we can’t thank them enough for all they do. Volunteer coordinator Julie Duckett joined the Garden in June 2021. She has more than 16 years of experience working with nonprofits and governmental agencies. A Utah native, she enjoys hiking and exploring, and road trips to nearby national parks. redbuttegarden.org
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