Reeves Reed Arboretum Receives a Special Donation

Gayle Petty-Johnson, director of RRA and Ruby Faust

I am so proud of my six year old daughter. Last October the east cost had a terrible early snow storm that damaged much of the area. Our favorite arboretum, Reeves Reed Arboretum was especially hit hard. My six year old daughter, Ruby decided she wanted to help out. At my last annual Holiday Open Studio she exhibited some of her paintings and quietly asked for a small donation towards "saving the trees" at the Reeves Reed Arboretum in return for a piece of her art. How could I say no? 

Pictured here is Ruby presenting her donation can along with $60 to the Reeves Reed director, Gayle Petty- Johnson. Below is what Ms. Petty-Johnson wrote in a recent E-Newsletter. If you'd like to make a donation to the Reeves Reed Arboretum click here.

From the director at Reeves Reed Arboretum:

At this time of year, the spirit of giving is a wonderful tradition. The Board of Trustees and Staff are grateful for the support and dedication of so many members, volunteers, donors and friends.  This year, in particular, has had its challenges and we truly recognize the value of your commitment to Reeves-Reed Arboretum. 

Every gift has made a difference, but I wanted to share with you a recent donation by a very young philanthropist, six year old Ruby Faust.  Ruby is the daughter of artist Lisa Palombo.  The Arboretum has been the inspiration for many of her mother's paintings and evidently Ruby is also inspired.  At a recent open studio of her mother's, Ruby arranged a display of her drawings and set out a coffee can decorated with flowers and trees and a sign inviting people to take one of her drawings and place a donation to bring back the trees at Reeves-Reed Arboretum.  Ruby raised more than $60 - quite a sum for such a young artist - and brought her can of donations to us last week.  It is generosity like Ruby's, gifts large and small, that we celebrate and acknowledge during this season of giving.

Gayle Petty-Johnson, Executive Director