[PHOTO RECAP] Botanical Brunch a Hit with Fundraiser Guests

On Saturday, June 15, more than 130 guests filled the Woodland Hall Garden Room at Cleveland’s Botanical Garden in University Circle for “Brunch Among the Blooms.”

Sponsored in part by FirstEnergy, Carnegie Management & Development Corporation, and Huntington, the goal of the event was two-fold: Raise awareness about the problem of adult illiteracy and raise money for the adult education solution at Seeds of Literacy.

One of the most talked-about features of the event was the centerpieces. Bringing floral arrangements to the Botanical Garden seemed, well… wrong! Instead, staff members created custom paper bouquets, adding a creative and sustainable touch to each table. Some guests even took the paper blooms home.

SPEAKERS TAKE THE STAGE

You won’t find her name in the original program because she wasn’t originally scheduled to speak. Even though she filled in at the last moment, you’d never know it listening to 2024 Grad Jessica Lee share her story with audiences. She spoke with confidence and emotion about the abuse she suffered, a legal system that failed her, and the addictions that manifested as a result.

She credits Seeds with giving her the courage to continue her education and to do it for free. Because of the constant encouragement of Site Coordinator Todd, her dream of walking across the stage with her peers became a reality.

Jessica is now enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) to earn a degree in Human Services. “I want to be a voice of change in a system that has placed a stigma on an entire population of people who have mental health disorders and addictions,” she proclaimed.

“Now Kara is my Todd,” she joked. Kara Krawiec, Director of Student Success, has been helping her with the college application process, encouraging her every step of the way.

Tutor Mike Marjenin listened to Jessica Lee’s speech (far left photo) and knew she’d be a tough act to follow. Taking the mic, he shared his background and how retirement led him to volunteer at Seeds. He recounted anecdotes about the students he had worked with, and suddenly, you could hear a pin drop in the room.

Mike was so moved while thinking about his students that he became tearful and needed a minute to compose himself. It was truly a moment where guests understood that students aren’t the only ones who benefit from the tutoring experience.

THE CULTIVATOR IMPACT AWARD

Long-time Seeds West Site Coordinator Chris Richards had the honor of introducing the 2024 Cultivator Impact Award winner: Jennifer Rosenberg. Jenny, as she’s known at Seeds, started tutoring in 2013. She was one of the first tutors in the Virtual Classroom when it opened and she’s donated nearly 1,400 hours of her time since. As a generous donor, she’s also contributed to Seeds financially. For Chris, it’s her temperament that makes her truly special.

“Jennifer’s positive attitude and good humor endear her to everyone she meets, from our staff, her fellow tutors, and our students.  Her obvious care shines through…the perfect embodiment of what we strive to do,” he said. “She helps to bring people in, and when they’re here, she helps to bring them together.  As both a tutor and a donor, she is not only focused on the work we’re doing today, but in helping us grow our capacity to do more in the future.”

A CALL TO ACTION

Of course, the event wasn’t just about inspiration and education. It was a fundraiser, after all. Chairman of the Board Jonathan Khouri highlighted the success Seeds has had this year, and then introduced Todd Seabrook, Virtual Site Coordinator.

“I’m sure you’re thinking that illiteracy isn’t a problem in your community. Your city. Your street, even,” he said.

But then he challenged this notion by pointing out that yes, he has students in their affluent suburbs, and provided a count of how many.

“Anyone here from Avon? I have 7 active students in the Virtual Classroom. From Beachwood? 13 active students living in Beachwood.. How about Solon? The Solon district is ranked 4th in Ohio. Pretty good right? But I have 5 active students in Solon right now.”  And the list went on. The message was clear. Every community, every neighborhood, has someone in need. Adult illiteracy is not confined to low-income areas.

His words had a profound effect on guests. In the final 15 minutes of the event, more than $16,000 was raised to support adult education at Seeds.

Following the speaker program, guests had unrestricted access to all the Cleveland Botanical Garden has to offer for the rest of the day.

Pictured: (L) A mystery wine pull awaited guests outside the doors. (C) Staff greeted guests as they arrived. (R) The Khouri Family.

Photography services generously provided by (1) Victoria Stanbridge Photography and (2) Tim Arai.

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Thank you to all of our event sponsors!

Radiant Rose

• FirstEnergy
• Carnegie Management & Development Corporation
• Huntington

Tulip Sponsors

• Crestmont Buick GMC
• George Miller

Daisy Sponsors

• Cerity Partners
• Cohen & Co.
• First Federal Lakewood
• HKM Direct Market Communications
• Hylant
• Jones Day
• KeyBank
• McKinsey & Company with Anna Curtis
• Return on Life Wealth Partners
• Thompson Hine with Alan Lufkin
• Tucker Ellis LLP
• Catherine & Kevin Butler
• Bill & Joyce Litzler
• Sarah & Jonathan Khouri
• Liz & Ken Voskuhl
• Mark Yanochko
• Zashin & Rich

Seedling

• Warren Anderson
• Applied Laser Technologies
• Ciuni & Panichi
• Millcraft
• Sue & Adam Roth
• St. Ignatius High School