Myriad Gardens Foundation to Celebrate Orchids

(September 2, 2010) - The glory of one of nature’s most beautiful creations – the orchid – will once again be celebrated by the Myriad Gardens Foundation during its annual Orchids in October fund raising luncheon and sale. This year’s event, honoring local interior designer and community volunteer Marsha See, will take place on Thursday, October 7 at 11:30 a.m. in the Venetian Room of the Hilton Skirvin Hotel. Individual tickets to the luncheon cost $50.

Due to the Myriad Botanical Gardens renovation, this year, in lieu of the three-day orchid sale, the Foundation is making orchids available via direct order. Thanks to a partnership with Calvert’s Plant Interiors, for a single price, individuals may order double-spiked orchids that will come with complementary dressing, a decorative container and local delivery four times a year. The orchids may be purchased during the luncheon or by requesting an orchid order form by calling 297-3974.

“We’ve had to change course a bit due to our ongoing construction, but we wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Debora Morey, the Foundation’s Executive Director.  “This is such an exciting time for all of us, and we know our supporters will be very happy with the new opportunities ahead.”

During the luncheon, the Foundation will bestow its annual Crystal Orchid award to Marsha See.

Ms. See is the owner/operator of See’s Interior Design in Oklahoma City. She is a long-time Board Member of the Myriad Gardens Foundation, and has served other local non-profit organizations. Her community involvement includes many projects to help beautify and sustain the inner city. During her tenure as president of the Mesta Park Neighborhood Association, the organization received the designation of a Historic Preservation District. She serves on the board of the Shartel Boulevard Development Authority, and has served on the board of Harn Homestead.

“We couldn’t have picked a better time to honor Marsha,” Morey said. “Her broad understanding of the current changes in the Gardens, and her keen sense of design, landscape and garden beauty have proven invaluable and enables her to be an integral part of the vision for the future. Her passion for quality, coupled with her staunch support, will ensure the new Gardens will be one of the most beautiful and accessible focal points in downtown Oklahoma City.”

Past winners of the Crystal Orchid Award include Michael S. Laird, Herman & LaDonna Meinders, James A. Pickel, James Tolbert, Dannie Bea Hightower, Ginny Greenberg, Morton Payne and Jean McLaughlin.

The Myriad Gardens Foundation was established in 1981 with a mission to support the Myriad Botanical Gardens by providing capital and operating funding, and increasing public awareness and support for the downtown landmark.

For more information about Orchids in October, or the Myriad Gardens Foundation, call 297-3974.

Media Contact:  Jennifer McClintock
(405) 297-3903; (405) 464-9288, (cell)