Community Foundation, Selby Gardens Bring Families Together for Lights in Bloom®

More than 1,000 local children, families, teachers, and school staff enjoyed complimentary access to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Lights in Bloom® holiday light show this season thanks to a partnership between Selby Gardens and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Through the Family Togetherness program, which is funded by the Community Foundation, Selby Gardens offered two complimentary evenings for children, families, and others who otherwise might not have been able to see the award-winning light show. This marked the fifth year that families experienced this exclusive opportunity to attend Lights in Bloom® through the Community Foundation’s sponsorship.

“Over the years, our partnership with Selby Gardens has grown to ensure all generations have access to the opportunities and possibilities blooming at our local botanical garden,” said Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation. “We’re honored to bring together children and families for cheer, joy, and connection during the holiday season and to plant the longer-term seeds for young people to be inspired by the natural world.”

“It was so fitting that hundreds of children and families were among the very first community members to see this year’s incredible show as well as the final guests to help us celebrate its successful completion and welcome another year,” said Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Selby Gardens. “We can’t thank the Community Foundation enough for its partnership with Selby Gardens and for its commitment to connecting more families with the cultural and natural resources in our region.”

Read the full story in Sarasota Scene Magazine