THOMASVILLE- The Thomasville Garden Clubs hosted An Evening in the Garden at the Thomasville Garden Center last Thursday, raising funds through a silent auction to help with annual scholarships and building upkeep. 

Event chair Jennifer Smith explained that the gala has several beneficiaries, including the Pebble Hill Green Arrow Tour, the Garden Clubs of Georgia Main Scholarship Program, the Endowment Fund for the Garden Club, the Thomas—Grady County Service Center, and local area hospices. 

Beyond a silent auction, guests who attended the elegant affair could partake in a wine pull. Members from each of the four garden clubs were asked to purchase a wine bottle worth $20 or more. Guests could then pay $20 to pick a cork with a number on it, where they then received a corresponding bottle. 

Guests could also enjoy an open bar by purchasing drink tickets, all of which benefited the cause. 

With nearly 180 guests in attendance, the evening was a massive success for the Garden Club. 

“It was a little bigger this year than last year,” Smith said. “We definitely have more auction items and a larger wine pull.” 

Being only the second year of the gala, Rambler Rose Garden Club President Juliane Hackney believes the event has the ability to expand and create a name for itself in the community. 

“Previously we tried to do luncheons, but we thought this would be great so couples could be included,” she said. 

Having spouses and members from all four clubs present is rare due to everyone’s schedules, but is cherished during special events. 

“One of my favorite parts is all the clubs getting together,” Hackney said. “So often, we don’t get to mingle with other clubs, as far as programs, but activities like this bring us together.” 

Smith said during the setup of the event, members from all four clubs put their best event-planning skills to work. 

“The collaboration to put it all together was amazing and a lot of fun to do,” she said. 

Smith and Hackney both appreciate all the hard work that everyone poured into the event, but more than that they applauded the sponsors, donors, and attendees who helped make the night a success. 

Both the women explained the Garden Center is an asset to the community and is used throughout the year for numerous events. 

While the funds raised help all the beneficiaries previously shared, some of the money is also poured back into the Garden Center to continue its upkeep. 

Last year’s event helped upgrade the parlor, while the funds raised this year will update the audio and sound equipment in the main room. 

“It’s always rented and such a great facility, so we are thrilled to be able to help in this way,” Hackney concluded.