$5 Million Endowment To Support American Horticultural Society, River Farm's Future

FORT HUNT, VA — The future of the American Horticultural Society and its River Farm headquarters is stronger after the organization's annual gala.

During the American Horticultural Society's gala fundraiser on Sept. 21, board treasurer Tim Conlon announced that retired board member Marcia Zech created a $5 million endowment. The contribution seeks to secure the nonprofit's long-term future and sustain its River Farm headquarters in Fort Hunt.

A board member for 13 years before retiring this year, Zech received the American Horticultural Society's Gold Medal for her impact on the organization. According to the American Horticultural Society, Zech has been a strong advocate for the nonprofit's mission and protecting River Farm. The American Horticultural Society had put River Farm up for sale but took it off the market with Zech and four other board members' advocacy. Zech made a $1 million donation in 2021 to stabilize the nonprofit after it decided to no longer sell River Farm.

"Marcia’s passion, strategic vision, wisdom, encouraging words, and kindness are what make her legendary," said Suzanne Laporte, president and CEO of the American. "She has shown great leadership in so many ways."

The endowment comes with a goal to increase the amount to $10 million. Another former board member, Jane Diamantis, and her husband, George, added on to the endowment with a $75,000 gift.

Along with receiving the American Horticultural Society's Gold Medal, Zech was surprised with a new daylily cultivar named Hemerocallis Marcia Zech, to celebrate her love for the flowers and her service to horticulture. Guests received an assortment of daylilies as a keepsake from the gala.

The event also honored the late Jim Nau with the esteemed Liberty Hyde Bailey Award, which is the American Horticultural Society's highest horticultural honor. Nau worked 37 years at Ball Horticultural Company as a plant expert, writer, historian, and garden designer. According to the American Horticultural Society, his work in plant variety trialing led to breakthroughs like identifying Wave petunias and authoring publications like The Ball Culture Guide and Ball RedBook.

Overall, the American Horticultural Society's gala drew 230 attendees and raised over $225,000. Funds support the nonprofit's outreach and educational programs and preservation of River Farm. The event was co-chaired by McEnearney Associates realtor Lauren Bishop and longtime American Horticultural Society board member Skipp Calvert.