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SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY BY ATTENDING STEMS: A GARDEN SOIRÉE WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN
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ow would you like to attend a party that not only raises money for local attractions and art in the community, but also allows you the opportunity to network and enjoy yourself among friends? Stems: A Garden Soirée might be exactly what you’re looking for!
and beverage stations—delicious small bites from area restaurants and a wonderful selection of local and imported wines and other beverages. There’s music, of course, and fireworks to cap off the evening,” explains Vicki Lilly, executive director of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.
that allow the Arts & Recreation Foundation to make a difference in the community. The foundation has already provided many commonly enjoyed activities in the area such as Main Street at Deanna Rose, the Train Garden at the Arboretum, as well as numerous city art installations.
Stems has quickly grown into one of the most popular fundraising events in the area. It offers attendees the chance to give back to the community while enjoying the fabulous environment that is the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
“The evening begins with the first pour in a hand-painted wine glass everyone receives as they enter,” says Lilly. Hundreds of these wine glasses are painted prior to the event each year, and attendees get to take their own stunning glass home at the end of the festivities.
“Stops along the way include food
The goal of Stems is to raise funds
“Our focus this year is completing the Growing to Inspire capital campaign to raise funds for the new visitor center and surrounding gathering spaces at the Arboretum,” explains Lilly. “Funded by the City of Overland Park and the foundation, these improvements are going to be a game-changer
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SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE
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JUNE 2021
