Young Friends of the Garden

The Young Friends of the Garden is a group of diverse young professionals with an interest in the Missouri Botanical Garden’s work and mission. Led by an active volunteer board, the Young Friends of the Garden organize fundraising and audience development events throughout the year. Young Friends events include Trivia Night, Garden Gallop, and Fest-of-Ale.

Sign up for the Young Friends email list.

Young Friends Council
The Young Friends Council is a board of young-professional leadership volunteers who serve as ambassadors for the Garden within the community. 

Young Friends Council Officers

Council Chair
Elizabeth Wells

Meet the Chair

Elizabeth Wells is Chair of the Young Friends Council for 2023–2024; here's a bit more about her

Council Co-Chair
Susan Meyer

Past Chair
Eryn Bassett

Development Co-Chairs
Doug Gaehle and Matthew Hutchinson

Young Friends Council Members

Ashley Adams Austin Lewis
Erica Agnew Tina Liu
Megan Ahlering Anne Luckey
Jack Arnold Andy Martin
Erica Ballard Jennie Meresak
Kate Bennett Jennifer Merritt
Katie Littlefield Castelino Jessica Nelson
Jessy Chisholm Emma Prince
Terrance Cotton Elise Puma
Erin Davis Gabi Randall
Kat Dockery Brittany Root
Mary Foley Han Sauer
Jesse Gray Alex Seay
Alzana Jakupovic Brenna Slavens
Rich Jerelds Brinkley Smith
Erin Jones Kate Tichelkamp
Mary Kate Keenoy Mary Tiernan
Jake King Adam Vorel
Jessica King  
Constance Lambdin  

 

Join the Young Friends Council

A call for Council members is made every spring through the Young Friends email list. Council members are selected through a résumé submission process by a nominating committee consisting of current Council members and Garden staff.

To apply, please send your résumé and cover letter to young_friends@mobot.org by Friday, April 19, 2024.  New members will be selected in May 2024.

Council members are expected to support the program by donating their time, participating in decision-making, and providing financial commitments. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Maintaining an active Garden membership
  • Attending monthly Council meetings and programs (6 Council meetings per year on Tuesday evenings)
  • Supporting Young Friends events through volunteering, financial support, and attending the events (3 Young Friends events per year)
  • Volunteering at Garden events

Council members are expected to serve as ambassadors for the Garden by promoting the institution and its mission to their professional and social networks. 

Questions? Email young_friends@mobot.org or call (314) 577-5173.

Making an Impact: Fundraising Success

Since 2019, the Young Friends fundraising efforts have supported the Garden's sustainability programs, raising more than $70,000 annually.