River Farm's Future Gets Boost At 50th Anniversary Gala

FORT HUNT, VA — As the American Horticultural Society celebrated 50 years at River Farm, its fundraising got a boost to preserve and improve the local landmark.

The annual gala in late September drew 250 of the nonprofit's members as well as neighbors, elected officials, horticultural experts and gardening enthusiasts. The gala raised $350,000 to support River Farm's maintenance, preservation, improvements and beautification, and preservation. River Farm is located on the northernmost land of George Washington's farmland along the Potomac River and is the American Horticultural Society's headquarters.

"We are thrilled to have had such a successful Gala, especially during Tropical Storm Ophelia, which brought together individuals who share our passion for horticulture and the beauty of River Farm," said Suzanne Laporte, president and CEO of the American Horticultural Society. "The funds raised will support the continued maintenance and preservation of the community’s cherished River Farm."

It's been about two years since the American Horticultural Society backed off plans to sell River Farm. When the property at 7931 E. Boulevard Drive in Fort Hunt was listed for sale in fall 2020, community members started a Save River Farm movement to protect River Farm as a publicly-accessible landmark. The local movement cited Enid Annenberg Haupt's $1 million financial gift to the American Horticultural Society that allowed it to buy River Farm in 1973. A condition of that financial gift was keeping the River Farm grounds accessible to the public.

The gala highlighted the importance of protecting River Farm as a horticultural treasure in the local community. Laura Dowling, an American Horticultural Society board member who previously served as the White House's chief floral designer, served as gala chair along with co-chairs Cindy Conner and American Horticultural Society board member Amy Golden. Guests were treated to a cocktail reception, dinner, and dancing. There was also an after party with desserts and dancing hosted by Young Friends After Party Chair Cameron Hardesty and Co-Chair Pamela Wurst Vetrini.

Charlotte Moss, a renowned interior and garden designer, was the honorary chair of the event and received the American Horticultural Society's National Achievement Award. In addition, Claire Sawyers, the director of the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College, received the AHS Liberty Hyde Bailey Award, the nonprofit's highest award for lifetime horticultural achievements. Emcee Barry Dixon emceed the night, and local Alexandrian Bill Coffield brought enthusiasm and humor to the live auction.

Other notable attendees included Society of American Florists CEO Kate Penn, Rizzoli publisher Charles Meirs, FLOWER Magazine founder and editor-in-chief Margot Shaw, Historic Alexandria Foundation executive director Mary Sterling, and American Horticultural Society board members Scott Plein (Chair) Doug Barker, Skipp Calvert, Tim Conlon, Holly Shimizu, Phil Tabas and Marcia Zech. Local officials attending included state Sen. Scott Surovell, Dels. David Bulova and Paul Krizek, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, and Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck.