Jennifer and Anton Segerstrom Honored with Arnold D. Haskell Award at Sherman Library and Gardens’ Inaugural Botanical Ball

Non-Profits

Oct 13

Benefiting the Grow The Gardens campaign, the remarkable fundraising soiree, presented by South Coast Plaza, raised nearly $400,000

Delivering a first-class immersive experience, the inaugural Botanical Ball fused together art, fashion, music and horticulture, creating an opulent evening among the picturesque gardens. The enchanted Botanical Ball raised philanthropic support for the educational programs and initiatives that drive the pillars of Sherman Library and Gardens’ mission - history, horticulture, and the arts. “As Corona del Mar’s Cultural Hub, Sherman Library and Gardens aims to Grow The Gardens for our community and the generations of tomorrow. The nearly $400,000 we raised together helps fuel our home stretch of the capital campaign,” shared Scott LaFleur, Executive Director.

The botanical fashion soiree welcomed guests into the gardens where lounges designed around history, horticulture and the arts had been thoughtfully curated. Rare one-of-a-kind live botanical accessories were available for purchase for guests to wear that evening. A bold and vibrant art display was curated by Ethos Art Gallery and iconic artist Timree was on hand creating a painting in real-time of the gardens. Specialty cocktail bars were provided by Nolet Spirits and delicious lite bites were provided by 608 Dahlia. As sunset gave way to a star filled sky, the DJ turned the mic over to Scott LaFleur, Executive Director of Sherman Library and Gardens, who shared heartfelt sentiments about the evening’s honorees, Jennifer and Anton Segerstrom. “Their philanthropy is not performative, it is personal. It is strategic, thoughtful and collaborative. They have nurtured relationships with cultural institutions with the same care and intention that one might tend a garden,” shared LaFleur. It was with profound respect and gratitude that Jennifer and Anton Segerstrom were honored with the first ever Arnold D. Haskell award, designed to recognize individuals whose generosity, commitment and passion for horticulture, history, and the arts have significantly advanced the mission of Sherman Library and Gardens and enriched the broader cultural landscape.

The fundraising experience was unlike any other, and was made possible thanks to the generous contributions of presenting sponsor South Coast Plaza, also Visit Newport Beach, Bentley Newport Beach, Fletcher Jones Motorcars, Casey Lesher Real Estate, Nolet Spirits, Northern Trust, Slater Builders, the Anaheim Ducks, OC Vibe, Elyzian, and Petal to the Meadow Floral Art Studio. Save the date as Sherman Library & Gardens’ Botanical Ball will return October 3rd, 2026.

About Sherman Library & Gardens

Sherman Library & Gardens is a non-profit that has been deeply rooted in Orange County, California for over half of a century, serving the community as a sanctuary and education beacon for history and beauty. Founded in 1966 by Arnold Haskell, and named for his friend and mentor, Moses Hazeltine Sherman, this iconic institution serves as a guardian of regional history and artifacts, a living library of plants both native and exotic, and a conservator of artistic works influenced by and produced in the Pacific Southwest. Today, Sherman Library & Gardens is a monument to Haskell’s dream of an educational and cultural center including a premier botanical garden and outstanding research library. Sherman Library & Gardens was recently recognized by the Newport Beach City Council with a proclamation, naming Sherman Library & Gardens as the “Cultural Hub” of Corona del Mar. The nonprofit’s Grow The Gardens campaign is currently underway, with additional information and details HERE.

Sherman Library & Gardens is located at 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, CA 92625.