Save the Date
Saturday June 21, 2025
for
with Music and Friends
Honoree

Dr. Edgar F. Kleiner, PhD
Founder of the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Conservationist and Botanist Edgar F. Kleiner, PhD. joined the Department of Biology at University of Nevada Reno in 1969 after completing his graduate studies in plant ecology at University of Utah. He retired as President Emeritus in 1989, founded and became the first director of the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden, retiring in 1999.
Kleiner Oak Grove is named after the founder who independently created and grew the arboretum until it was moved under the care of Washoe County Parks in 1999. The living plant museum, located within Rancho San Rafael Park Complex, houses over 4,000 native and adaptive plant species within the 13 cultivated acres of the 23 acre arboretum facility.
Events of the Evening
VIP Cocktails
4:00-5:30
Enjoy a complimentary signature cocktail and an open bar with a selection of served hors d’oeuvres while listening to a private violin performance from Juliette Leong.
Passed Items
Chorizo Stuffed Cornbread Mini Muffin, Cilantro Cream Cheese
•
Tuna Poke, Sesame Wontons, Avocado-Mango Salsa
•
Compressed Watermelon, Jicama, Mint, Tomato, Queso Fresco Boats
Guest Cocktail Hour & Silent Auction Viewing
5:00-6:00
Enjoy a complimentary signature cocktail, no-host bar and light charcuterie while browsing our silent auction items. Stroll the garden and learn about our Honoree, Dr. Edgar F. Kleiner, PhD, while viewing storyboards depicting his life history and how he became involved and helped create this wonderful garden for our community.
Local pianist Jeff DePaoli provides entertainment.
Welcome Commentary
6:00-6:15
Family Style Dinner
6:15-7:00
Individually Served Summer Salad
Little Gem Lettuce, Almonds, Strawberries, Apples, Feta, White Balsamic Vinaigrette (salads can be made separately for anyone who needs to have items eliminated)
•
Tri-Tip prepared with House Rub and Natural Jus
•
House Smoked Grilled Pork Loin, Apricot Gochujang BBQ Glaze
•
Oven Roasted Portobello, Wilted Spinach, Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette, Roasted Peppers, Fontina Cream
•
Sea Salt Poached Asparagus, Grilled Lemons, Pine Nuts, Olive Oil
•
Roasted Russian Fingerling Potatoes, Garlic, Fresh Herbs, Lemon
•
Dessert
Passionfruit Mousse, Blueberry Compote, Shortbread Cookie
Award Presentations
7:00-7:30
Live Auction
7:30-8:00
Private Concert with The Reno Pops
8:00-9:00
Closing Commentary
9:00-9:15
Tickets / Donations
$175 Per Person
Sponsors
The May Arboretum Society will host its inaugural
Gala In The Garden Award and Auction
sponsored in part by




Become a Sponsor
White Oak $25,000 (SOLD)
Bill Pearce Motors & Sandy Raffaelli
Sponsorship Benefits include the following
based on 8 guests per table:
• Purchase of 2 VIP Tables
• Early Entry to VIP Cocktail Hour
• Full Page Ad in Event Program
• Recognition of Sponsorship in Event Program
• Recognition at the event
• Opportunity to give Inaugural Evening Toast
• Signature Drink at VIP Cocktail Hour
• Hyperlink to Your Website from MAS Website
• Inclusion In Media Promotion
• Listed as Partner in 2025 Annual Report
• Logo On Mobile Bidding Website
• Listed as Sponsor In Social Media Posts
• Mentions In Press Releases
• VIP Parking PASS
Sumard Oak $15,000
Sponsorship Benefits include the following
based on 8 guests per table:
• Purchase of 2 VIP Tables
• Early Entry to VIP Cocktail Hour
• Half Page Ad in Event Program
• Recognition of Sponsorship in Event Program
• Recognition at the event
• Signature Drink at VIP Cocktail Hour
• Hyperlink to Your Website from MAS Website
• Inclusion In Media Promotion
• Listed as Partner in 2025 Annual Report
• Logo On Mobile Bidding Website
• Listed as Sponsor In Social Media Posts
• Mentions In Press Releases
• VIP Parking PASS
Saw Tooth Oak $7,500
Sponsorship Benefits include the following
based on 8 guests per table:
• Purchase of 1 Table
• Quarter Page Ad in Event Program
• Recognition of Sponsorship in Event Program
• Hyperlink to Your Website from MAS Website
• Listed as Partner in 2025 Annual Report
• Listed as Sponsor In Social Media Posts
Swamp White Oak $5,000
Sponsorship Benefits include the following
based on 8 guests per table:
• Purchase of 1 Table
• Recognition of Sponsorship in Event Program
• Hyperlink to Your Website from MAS Website
• Listed as Partner in 2025 Annual Report
• Listed as Sponsor In Social Media Posts
• Ability to Bid on Silent Auction Items
• Reserved Seating for After Dinner Concert
Scarlet Oak $2,500
Sponsorship Benefits include the following
based on 8 guests per table:
• Purchase of 1 Table
• Recognition of Sponsorship in Event Program
Have you found that you don’t need a full table or can’t attend the event, but would still like to help its success? Consider one of the following sponsorship opportunities to help us offset the cost of putting on the event, helping us gain larger net proceeds within our endowment fund. Show your support for the May Arboretum Society while highlighting your business.
Full Page Program Ad $2,000
This dedicated full page ad includes your business name, contact information, tagline, a statement of support for the May Arboretum Society and a QR code directing attendees to your website.
Half Page Program Ad $1,000
This half page ad includes your business name, contact information, tagline, a statement of support for the May Arboretum Society and a QR code directing attendees to your website.
Quarter Page Program Ad $500
This business card ad includes your business name, contact name, contact information and tag line.
Logo Spot $250
Have your logo displayed on our Business Sponsorship Page.
Table Wine $3,500
Your name will be prominently displayed at each table as the evening’s wine sponsor.
Bar $3,000
Host the evening’s celebrations. Your business name will be prominently displayed at both bar locations during the event.
VIP Cocktail Hour $2,500
The evening begins with VIP Cocktail Hour. Your business name will be prominently displayed in the VIP area as guests enjoy the open bar complete with hors d’oeuvres.
Facilities $2,500
Help to ensure the event is secured and offers important needs to help the evening be safe and comfortable for all. This includes additional lighting, garden safety checks, available restrooms, and golf cart assistance for those in need. Includes your business name prominently displayed at the event.
Entertainment Support $2,500
Help offset the costs involved with staging and audio-visual needs and help to ensure the event is seen and heard by all. Includes your business name prominently displayed at the event.
Photographer $2,000
Help us capture the memories of our inaugural evening by sponsoring our photographer for the evening. These memories will be archived for future reference and recognition for years to come. Includes your business name prominently displayed at the event and on our event website.Help offset the costs involved with staging and audio-visual needs and help to ensure the event is seen and heard by all. Includes your business name prominently displayed at the event.
For all sponsorships and questions contact Frances below.