AROUND TOWN

OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS PRESENTS

STEMS: A GARDEN SOIRÉE

WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN / PHOTOS BY OVERLAND PARK ARTS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Sip wine. Taste delicious food from top restaurants and caterers. Enjoy art, music, fireworks, beautiful surroundings, and more. Meet friends at the networking event of the summer—the place to see and be seen. Support a vision of recreational and cultural enrichment and inspiration for present and future generations. Stems is a lovely garden party in the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and the premier networking event in Johnson County, as well as the flagship event of the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.

This event has been happening since 2008 and is known to be the party of the summer and a date night to never forget. Whether you attend as a guest or corporate sponsor, the beautiful ambiance and delectable dishes will not disappoint. There can be no better cause than enhancing the quality of life of the community, and proceeds from Stems do just that. All proceeds from Stems: A Garden Soirée continue to contribute to the support and development of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, and city art installations. “Once again this year, our event will include a wonderful taste of local cuisine from various restaurants throughout the KC metro. We’ll have plenty of wine and other beverages to sip from keepsake hand-painted wine glasses,” says Jennifer Cairns, Events and Donor Services manager for the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. The hand-painted Stems wine glasses will be the signature of the event.

Guests will sample a tasty array of food and drink, from sliders to crab cakes, antipasto to fruit crepes, fine wines, craft beers, and specialty mixed drinks that perfectly complement the food. Nonalcoholic beverages and bottled water will also be served. And, of course, one can never host a party in Kansas City without serving barbecue. With the walking you’ll do around the arboretum, you will have earned some extra calories as a reward, so don’t forget to sample the delicious desserts! Past dessert choices have included fried cheesecake, tiramisu,

and fresh fruit crepes, just to name a few. “We’ll also have live music, performance artists, and fireworks to end the evening with a bang—literally! And the best part, all of this takes place within the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Guests will also be able to sneak a peek at the construction of the Arboretum’s new LongHouse Visitor Center,” adds Cairns. Because construction is well under way and is adding a bit of a parking challenge to the event, “We’re asking guests to please rideshare to Stems,” says Cairns. “It’s a win-win scenario. It frees up space in our lots and ensures our guests can fully enjoy the evening’s beverages,” she explains. Uber or Lyft are also wise options. Those with Patron parking passes or handicap tags will park in the paved parking lot and surrounding areas. Thus far, Stems has been incredibly successful and has raised $3.6 million to date. This is due to generous sponsors, donors, and attendees, as well as over 100 amazing volunteers. If you are wondering what to wear, comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Women tend to wear “sundresses, capri pants—anything you’d wear to a patio party or other dressy outdoor event. Men wear Hawaiian or golf shirts and casual pants. If temperatures are above normal, shorts are appropriate. Jeans are not appropriate,” says Cairns.

Here are the details Event date:

Saturday, June 25, 7-10 pm (Patron ticket-holders enjoy VIP parking and early entry at 6 pm) Location:

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Ticket prices:

$150 general admission; $250 Patron tickets

(includes VIP parking and early admission to the event) Anticipated attendance: 1,200 guests

(Only guests 21 years or older will be admitted. This will be strictly enforced.)

For more information on Stems, or to purchase tickets, visit stemssoiree.org. To volunteer, call 913.322.6467. Stems will not be canceled unless there is an immediate danger due to severe weather.