On February 14th, 2026 we lost a great man and friend of the May Arboretum Society. Rod Haulenbeek, beloved “Tree Hunter”, had an extraordinary gift for revealing the wonder hidden in every tree.
the tree hunter collection
In his honor, the May Arboretum Society is proud to introduce The Tree Hunter Collection, an initiative to expand the arboretum’s living collection with remarkable tree specimens from around the world, each one a living exhibit along a new Tree Hunter Discovery Trail.
A fitting tribute to a man who spent his life helping others see trees as the treasures they truly are.
the tree hunter legacy fund
Funding for the initiative will be generated through the Tree Hunter Legacy Fund, which invites individuals, families, foundations, and organizations to sponsor trees within the collection. Contributions will support everything from the acquisition of tree specimens through planting, irrigation, and ongoing maintenance as they grow and inspire throughout generations.
growing a future
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor the legacy of Rod Haulenbeek, the Tree Hunter, and unveil this exciting new initiative. This is your chance to be part of something that will grow, quite literally, long into the future.
We hope to see you there.
The Secret Garden
On June 13th, we will host the May Arboretum Society 2026 Gala. Aligned with the tribute to Rod Haulenbeek and the introduction of the Tree Hunter Collection initiative, the gala will help raise money for the May Arboretum Society Endowment Fund, directly supporting the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden as a whole.
Our 2026 gala is themed after the classic novel The Secret Garden. Its central message beautifully mirrors the purpose and power of public gardens today as nature continues to heal, restore, and reconnect us to ourselves and to one another.
the story
In The Secret Garden, a forgotten and locked garden becomes a place of transformation. As the characters tend the soil, plant seeds, and nurture new growth, they themselves begin to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Fresh air, movement, beauty, and shared purpose revive their sense of joy and belonging. The garden is the catalyst for wellness and renewal.
the connection
Public gardens play this same vital role in our modern world. They are living sanctuaries often hidden in plain sight where people can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. Research consistently shows that access to green spaces improves mental health, reduces stress, supports physical well-being, and fosters social connection.
Like the secret garden in the story, these spaces quietly work their magic every day. The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden is very much the secret garden in our own community. The unexpected refuge offering peace, beauty, education, and healing. Many are unaware it exists, but for those who discover it, the impact can be profound.
Discovery Experience
In anticipation of the 2026 Gala, all registered attendees with an individual email address are invited to participate in a private Secret Garden experience.
To participate:
- Visit the Arboretum
- Capture a selfie at the revealed location
- Submit your photo before the weekly deadline
Each valid submission earns an entry into a drawing for the evening’s prize. You won’t want to miss it.
the prize
One fortunate Discover Experience winner will receive a $1,000 gift certificate to the award-winning Eden Vale Inn. Visit edenvaleinn.com for more information on this boutique destination.
Why Participate?
Events of the evening
VIP Cocktails
- 4:30
Enjoy a hosted bar with a selection of served hors d’oeuvres. As part of the VIP Cocktail Hour, guests will enjoy a live artistic performance by Juliette Leong, as she paints an original piece inspired by the Arboretum and the magic of the evening.
This one-of-a-kind piece will be completed during the event and presented in the Live Auction, making it a truly special piece created in celebration of the garden and the community that supports it.
VIP Appetizers
Compressed Watermelon, Cumin Cream Cheese, Tajin, Lime, Micro Cilantro
Wild Mushroom Asiago Truffle Arancini, Smoked Tomato Ragu, Parmesan
Baguette, Cold Smoked Sirloin, Horseradish Crème Fraîche, Chive
Guest Cocktail Hour & Silent Auction viewing
- 5:00
Enjoy a no-host bar serving a variety of drinks and cocktails while browsing our silent auction items.
Welcome Commentary
- 5:45
Guest dinner seating will start at 5:45 with opening commentary and dinner service at 6:00
Dinner
- 6:00
Enjoy a thoughtfully selected multi-course meal.
Menu
Family Style Salad
Summer Salad, Little Gem Lettuce, Almonds, Strawberries, Apples, Feta, White Balsamic Vinaigrette
House Garlic & Herb Bread with Butter
Entrées
Tri-Tip, Argentinian Chimichurri
House Smoked Grilled Pork Loin,
Apricot Gochujang BBQ Glaze
Cauliflower ‘Risotto’, Tofu Cream, Wild Mushrooms, Artichoke, Spinach, Red & Yellow Bell Pepper Confetti, Mini Molasses Croutons
Sides
Roasted Butternut Squash, Green Beans, Caramelized Onion, Red Potato Hash
Roasted Heirloom Carrots, Orange Zest, Almonds, Ras El Hanout
Dessert
Passionfruit Mousse with Wild Blueberry Compote and Shortbread Cookie
Program
- 6:45
The Arboretum: What It Is and What It Could Become
Finishing The Garden
A tribute to Rod Haulenbeek
Introduction of the Tree Hunter Legacy Fund
Live Auction
- 7:45
Closing Commentary
- 8:30
Silent Auction Winners Announced
- 8:45
Silent Auction Winners Pick up
- 9:00
Tickets / Donations
Sponsors
The May Arboretum Society 2026 Gala Award and Auction
is sponsored in part by
Become a Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor:
Kleiner Sponsorship Package $25,000
Quantity Available: 1
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Purchase of 2 VIP tables (10 tickets per table)
• 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 the Gala’s Welcome Toast
• Complimentary drinks at VIP cocktail hour
• Your name listed on the MAS website
• Inclusion in media promotion
• Listed as a partner in our 2026 Annual Report
• Logo included on the mobile bidding website
• Listed as Presenting Sponsor in social media
• Mention in press releases
Honey’s Sponsorship Package $15,000 (sold)
Wilbur May Foundation
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Purchase of 2 VIP tables (10 tickets per table)
• Early entry to VIP cocktail hour
• Half page ad in event program
• Recognition of sponsorship in event program
• Recognition at the event
• Complimentary drinks at VIP cocktail hour
• Hyperlink to your website from MAS website
• Inclusion in media promotion
• Listed as a partner in our 2026 Annual Report
• Logo included on the mobile bidding website
• Listed as a sponsor in social media
• Mention in press releases
Burke Sponsorship Package $5,000
Quantity Available: 4
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Purchase of 1 table (10 tickets per table)
• Half page ad in event program
• Recognition of sponsorship in event program
• Listed as a sponsor in social media
• Listed as a partner in our 2026 Annual Report
• Listed as a sponsor in social media
Lear Sponsorship Package $2,500
Quantity Available: 4
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Purchase of 1 table (10 tickets per table)
• Listed as a partner in our 2026 Annual Report
• Recognition of sponsorship in event program
• Purchase of 1 Table
Step into an enchanting evening of mystery, elegance, and community impact. Our 2026 Gala, The Secret Garden, offers exclusive secondary sponsorship opportunities designed to highlight your organization throughout the event. Each sponsorship contributes to creating an unforgettable experience for our guests while offering meaningful visibility for your brand.
Venue $5,000
Help us transform our venue into a whimsical, immersive Secret Garden.
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Prominent logo placement at venue entrance
• Recognition in event program and website
• Verbal acknowledgment during welcome remarks
• Two complimentary tickets
Table Wine $3,000
Delight guests with curated wine selections poured tableside throughout the evening.
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Logo displayed at each table
• Recognition at all wine service stations
• Mention in event program and menu cards
Bar $3,000
Support the evening’s signature cocktails and premium bar service.
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Logo signage at all bar locations
• Recognition on specialty cocktail signage
• Mention during VIP cocktail announcements
DJ/MC $3,000
Fuel the energy and flow of the night with professional entertainment.
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Logo displayed near the DJ/MC station
• DJ shout-out acknowledging your sponsorship
• Listing in program and website
VIP Cocktail Hour $2,500
Elevate our exclusive pre-event experience as guests mix and mingle in a lush, intimate garden setting.
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Logo displayed in VIP area
• Recognition on special VIP invitation signage
• Two complimentary VIP Cocktail Hour passes
• Two complimentary VIP Event Tickets
Entertainment $2,500
Bring the magic of live performances to life.
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Logo signage near performance area
• Verbal acknowledgment before featured acts
• Recognition in program
Photographer $2,000
Capture the evening’s most enchanting moments
Sponsorship Benefits include the following:
• Logo watermark on digital photo gallery
• Signage at photo booth/photo stations
• Recognition in event program
Even if you’re unable to join us in person for our 2026 Gala, The Secret Garden, you can still make a meaningful impact. Support our mission and enhance your brand visibility through our program advertising options. Your message will be featured in the beautifully designed gala program distributed to all guests.
Program Advertising
Full Page Program Ad $2,000
Showcase your message with maximum visibility in a premium, full-page placement.
Half Page Program Ad $1,000
A strong mid-size presence ideal for brand recognition or a concise message.
Quarter Page Program Ad $500
A cost-effective option perfect for small businesses or individual supporters.
Logo Spot $250
Have your logo included among our community supporters in the program.
For all sponsorships and questions contact Frances below.
