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
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.
