Sign-ups Open for Naples Botanical Garden's Fun Run to Kickoff a Day of Health-Focused Family Activities

NAPLES, FL - January 24, 2011 - Whether you’re a serious runner or just someone looking to admire the scenery, registration is now open for Naples Botanical Garden’s first 5K Fun Run, part of its Get Up and Grow Day of health-focused activities and education on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Organized with the help of the Gulf Coast Runners, the Fun-Run will kick-off the day at 7:00 a.m. with registration and the official start of the run beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by a 1-mile walk for those looking to take a more leisurely pace. 

Sign-up for your place in the Garden’s Fun Run online. 

Entry Fees:

February 23-28           $20 Non-Members / $15 Garden Members

March 1-11                  $30 Non-Members / $25 Garden Members

Race Day                    $35

Entry fees include registration for the Fun Run, a Get Up and Grow t-shirt, and admission to the Garden for all the day’s activities.

Pre-run snacks and preparatory activities such as stretching will take place on the Garden’s Event Plaza before runners and walkers take off on the designated paths around the Garden. Post race activities begin at 9am on the Event Plaza with additional programming in the Vicky C. and David Bryon Smith Children’s Garden from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. such as:

• Get Up and Get Physical – Exercise-inspired fun for children
• Story Time – Reading of The Ugly Vegetables
• Get Cooking – Kids cooking demonstrations

The Third Street South Farmer’s Market will be traveling over to the Garden and setting up to sell their goods from 1:00-4:00 p.m. as well. Visitors can join group exercise presentations and activities throughout the afternoon around the Garden or meander the paths and enjoy the sights.

 Staying active and learning how to engage with your environment in a healthy way is a very important message for the Garden,” said Brian Holley, executive director at Naples Botanical Garden. “We have such a tremendous opportunity to share these lessons with each of our visitors throughout the Garden with miles of walking paths and hands-on activities, especially the Smith Children’s Garden.”

 The Garden will be open for visitors during regular hours – 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – with the Garden Event Plaza and running paths open during registration and the Fun Run from 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Regular admission prices apply for visitors not participating in the Fun Run. Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org. 

*Due to the varied terrain no costumes, headphones roller blades or skateboards will be permitted during the Fun Run and walk. 

About Naples Botanical Garden

 Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day. 

Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.

Princess Moody and Fiance Gabriel Davis Win a $70,000 Dream Garden Wedding

NAPLES, FL - February 14, 2011 - At least one couple will be celebrating more than just romance this Valentine’s Day; Princess Moody and Gabriel Davis of Ohio will be celebrating their being selected as the winning couple of Naples Botanical Garden’s 11-11-11 Dream Destination Wedding Giveaway. As the winning couple, Princess and Gabriel can look forward to a stunning wedding for 75 guests at the Garden valued at more than $70,000 set for November 11, 2011. The Garden, along with 15 participating event vendors and partners are providing the many elements necessary to create a beautiful tropical Garden wedding, from the breathtaking location and cake, to the dress and honeymoon. 

The couple, who are currently both attending universities in the Boston area, met through an AmeriCorps program one summer doing work at the same Cincinnati non-profit that provides assistance for those with health challenges. The cause was one that hit close to home for Princess. After losing her father and trying to care for a disabled mother, Princess admitted she hadn’t been looking for love, but found it, none-the-less, in Gabriel as they spent more and more time working together.

Falling in love with Gabriel was a fresh breath of air,” explained Princess. “He brought happiness into my life after I had experienced so much loss and sadness.”

Less than a year into the relationship, Gabriel proposed one muggy June evening in 2008 alongside the Ohio River as they gazed over the Cincinnati skyline. Their education and passion for public service, however, has remained their priority. With the debt they accumulated between them, they knew they had little chance at any kind of wedding in the company of their beloved friends and family. 

Trying to decide who is the most deserving of a dream wedding among so many couples was impossible for the panel of judges, who reviewed each of the applications we received,” said Brian Holley, Naples Botanical Garden executive director. “Yet, when you hear Princess and Gabriel’s commitment not only to each other, but what they are working towards in their communities, you feel a connection to them. It was this connection that the panel felt so inspired by and we are so thrilled to be able to contribute such a significant day to them and their futures."

Learn more about the couple on our Wedding Giveaway page.

Next Steps Toward the Alter – How You Can Help!

Now that the couple has been selected, friends, family and the public will have a chance to get involved in the wedding plans by submitting their selections for several key elements of the wedding in a voting process. Each month from March – August 2011, the public will have the chance to vote on their choice for the following items:

• Ceremony Location – Provided by Naples Botanical Garden
• Wedding Dress – Provided by Loretta Bridal Boutique
• Stationary – Provided by Arabesque Stationer and Gift Shop
• Floral Bouquets – Provided by Grace Lakes Florist
• Wedding Cake/Pastries – Provided by Be Happy Cakes

Visit the Garden’s Wedding Giveaway page to access the current status and to vote. At the end of each voting session, the results will be posted and details for the next round of voting will be available. Then see how it all comes together on 11-11-11!

Participating vendors and partners in the 2011 Dream Destination Wedding Giveaway include: Arabesque Stationer and Gift Shop; Be Happy Cakes; Brides.com; Cater Masters Inc., Decanted Wine; Dolphin Transportation; Fringe Salon; Grace Lakes Florist; Gryphon Jewelry Designs; LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort; Loretta Bridal Boutique; Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau; 929 Design Studios; No Worries Weddings & Events; Party Time Rentals and Springhill Suites by Marriott.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day.

Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.

Naples Botanical Garden Hosts a Day of Canine-Focused Fun February 26th

NAPLES, FL - February 9, 2011 - Dogs will rule the day at Naples Botanical Garden’s Second Annual Dog Day on Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Both human visitors and their four-legged companions are invited to explore the Garden and participate in a day of canine-focused demonstrations, programs and vendor showcases. Admission to Dog Day is $12.95 for adults and $7.95 for children (ages 4-14) and non-member dogs. Kids under four, Garden Members and Member dogs are free.

We are so pleased with the fantastic response to our Dogs in the Garden program and twice weekly dog walks, we felt it important to make the Dog Day an annual event to say thank you to our regulars and also show all that we have to offer the canine community,” said Barbara Finn, Naples Botanical Garden board member and Dogs in the Garden Committee Chairman. “Thanks to our committee and Dog Day event leader Donna Waltrip, we have organized a spectacular group of activities, nonprofits and vendors that dogs and owners alike will enjoy.”

A Garden “leash-law” will be in effect, but owners will be able to escort dogs down the pathways (with exception of the Vicky C. & David Byron Smith Children’s Garden) to explore the “Gardens with Latitude” and watch or take part in one of the activities and demonstrations.

Schedule of Dog Day Events:

• 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. – The Lucky Dog Agility Course (open to visitors)
• 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – K-9 Demonstrations by The Collier County Sherriff’s Department and The North Naples Fire Department

The Garden thanks its Dog Day sponsors: Bamboo Café, Camp Bow Wow, Emergency Pet Hospital of Collier County, Florida Weekly, Petco, Sabal Palm Animal Hospital, St. Francis Animal Clinic, P.A., Town & Country Animal Hospital.

Participating vendors and organizations include: Bark Busters with G’Day Pet Care, Brookes Legacy, Canine Castaways, Domestic Animal Services, For Footed Friends, Grey Muzzle, Grey 2KUSA, Homeward Bound, Paws for Love, Rescue Dogs, The Brody Project, The Collier County Sheriff’s Department, The Lucky Dog Company, The Naples Police Department Dog Registration, The North Naples Fire Department and Woof Gang Bakery.

Dogs and their owners can return to the Garden every Sunday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and Thursday from 3:00-5:00 p.m. to join one of the Garden’s Dog Walks. Regular admission prices apply including $7.95 per non-member dog. Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.

*All dogs are required to be current on all vaccinations and registrations. One dog admitted per adult. 

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day.

Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.