Garden Luncheon
Thursday, September 12th
You're invited to our spectacular Gala Luncheon at the Columbus Botanical Garden! Join us from 11am-1pm with celebrity floral designer, Canaan Marshall, who will do a live flower arrangement on stage. Learn his unique techniques that sets him apart in the floral industry. Indulge in a delightful lunch accompanied by coffee and mimosas while surrounded by the beauty of the garden. Don't miss this special opportunity to be inspired by Canaan's floral artistry in a stunning natural setting!
Elevated Safari Themed Attire
Contact vjohnsoncbg@gmail.com to get on the Garden Luncheon Waitlist
Canaan Marshall
Guest Speaker
Canaan Marshall is the "next-door floral designer of your dreams". An old soul, he has had a natural knack for all things growing and green since childhood. He is best known as the vibrant, young fellow to turn your everyday into elegant. Perhaps just as notable is the seemingly effortless way he creates and very often makes his fans feel as though they, too, could create something just as wonderful. His work can be found in the pages of Southern Living, Modern Luxury, Flower Magazine, Traditional Home, and Macon Magazine.
His mantra: Place it, and move on. To his audience of intrigued green-thumb wannabes, he inspires thoughtful arrangements while never fretting over the perfect placement. He encourages, "Choose flowers you like; put some love into the preparation, and have fun!" Much like your favorite neighbor, he has the finished vision before you even begin. Canaan's energy makes one want to dance and celebrate each event as if it were the last. That celebration is evident in everything he touches. Canaan is also a contestant on Season 2 of Full Bloom on HBO Max. Canaan makes extraordinary appear simple, yet always with a fabulous, fun flair.
Gala in the Garden
Friday, September 13th
Experience an elevated safari-themed evening at Gala in the Garden hosted amidst the lush animal topiaries at Columbus Botanical Garden. Join us from 7pm-10pm and enjoy gourmet cuisine crafted by Epic Restaurant and live music performed by the talented Tanner Fussell (from "The Voice"). We will also have complimentary bar service offering a selection of fine wines, spirits, and cocktails. Join us for a night of gourmet delights, captivating music, animal topiaries, and delightful camaraderie in the heart of
nature's beauty.
The Bottle Shop will also be with us for a special tequila tasting for guests!
Elevated Safari Themed Attire, 21+ only
Tanner Fussell
At the age of eight, Georgia native Tanner Fussell began playing guitar and writing songs. His heartfelt lyrics coupled with an upbeat attitude and musical drive connects with listeners of all ages and walks of life. In 2014 he began the group "Half-Seas Over" in Statesboro, Ga. The band played all over the South for the next five years, sharing the stage with artists such as Jon Langston, AFTM, Mo Lowda & the Humble and many more. In 2019 after moving to Colorado the group dispersed. Here Tanner continued to pursue music through his solo career, playing throughout the Northern Colorado area. This was where he met fellow musician Jack Stein and together they formed the group "Steelin' Hearts". Then in 2021 the group decided to return to the South where he continued to pursue music in both his solo career as well as "Steelin' Hearts" in Nashville, TN. In 2022 he was a member of "The Voice" for Season 22. He was a member Team Blake Shelton and advanced to the Battle Rounds of the show. His latest single "Holdin' Her, Lovin' You" was released in early 2023, with plans to continue to release more music as the year goes on. Today he continues to pursue his passion in music and leave his mark on the music world.
Before the Gala - Sponsors Only
Patron Party
Our Patron Party is exclusively for certain levels of Patron and Corporate Gala sponsors from 6-7pm. This hour-long celebration will have drinks and small bites. Thank you to our generous sponsors who make our Gala in the Garden events possible!
If you're interested in being a patron sponsor, email vjohnsoncbg@gmail.com for information.
EPIC's Chef's Table
EPIC’s Chef’s Table is the coveted VIP dining spot in the kitchen! It is a private interactive dining experience for up to 8 guests and also serves as a great spot for private business meetings, date nights, and groups celebrating special occasions. Chef Jamie Keating and his culinary team will walk guests through this eight-course culinary journey, describing the inspiration and ingredients used behind each dish.
The eight-course tasting menu is constantly evolving and our chefs plan for your experience in advance.
Steeplechase Terrace Box
The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, known as the “event of the season," and brings family and friends together to watch thoroughbred horses race over timber and brush hurdles.
This terrace box includes tickets and chairs for 6 people, 1 parking pass, and access to vendor and catering area.
Mollie Jenkins Planters
Mollie Jenkins Pottery is a small-batch ceramic company based in Columbus, GA that was founded in 2016 by Mollie Jenkins. They focus on creating, designing, and sourcing functional wares to elevate your everyday life.
This prize includes two gorgeous planters. Handmade and beautifully crafted, these elegant planters will make a great home for whatever plants you grow!
CBG Ticket Package
We'll be offering a package of tickets to some of CBG's best events of the year!
This prize includes: 4 tickets to BOOtanical, 4 Tickets to Shine and Cookies and Cocoa, 2 Tickets to the naturalist symposium, 4 tickets to the naturalist symposium kids day, 4 tickets to the Daylily Festival, 2 tickets to 2025’s Gala in the Garden, and 2 tickets to 2025’s Gala in the Garden Luncheon.
PATRON PACKAGES
Elephant Patron
$10,000
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8 tickets and table to Gala in the Garden
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2 tickets to the Patron Reception
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8 tickets to Thursday's Garden Luncheon featuring Cannan Marshall
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A family membership to Columbus Botanical Garden
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Recognition in program and event signage
Lion Patron
$5,000
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6 tickets to Gala in the Garden
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2 tickets to the Patron Reception
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6 tickets to Thursday's Garden Luncheon featuring Cannan Marshall
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A family membership to Columbus Botanical Garden
Recognition in program and event signage
Zebra Patron
$2,500
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4 tickets to Gala in the Garden
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2 tickets to the Patron Reception
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4 tickets to Thursday's Garden Luncheon featuring Cannan Marshall
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A family membership to Columbus Botanical Garden
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Recognition in program and event signage
Leopard Patron
$1,000
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2 tickets to Gala in the Garden
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2 tickets to Thursday's Garden Luncheon featuring Cannan Marshall
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A family membership to Columbus Botanical Garden
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Recognition in program and event signage
Gorilla Patron
$500
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2 tickets to Gala in the Garden
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A family membership to Columbus Botanical Garden
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Recognition in program and event signage
Thank you to our
2024 Corporate Sponsors
Giraffe
George and Ann Swift Family Foundation, Inc.
Camel
Joann F. Holt Family Foundation
Cheetah
Gazelle
Grier's Farmers Market
Flamingo
Please reach out Veronica Johnson at vjohnsoncbg@gmail.com for more information on Corporate Sponsorships and a customized package.
As a garden for all, your support of our 2024 Gala in the Garden events allow us to serve not only those who visit our grounds, but also those beyond our garden gates. This year you have helped to bring so many new faces to the garden through fun educational events and exciting children’s programs. Through outreach to local schools, a field trip fund has been established and a pollinator pals program has been implemented to educate the next generation about the natural world and to become future stewards of its care. With the expansion of educational programming, events and partnerships, we strive daily to further our efforts to become an indispensable community asset.