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Having now lived in the Mobile area for over six years, I can say that I know a few shortcuts to get from point A to B, and I also know which roads and streets could use a little TLC. Growing up in Louisiana, I have seen my fair share of “not so great” (I’m being polite) roads, and I can honestly say that Mobile’s roads and streets are light years ahead of the ones I grew up with. Here in Mobile County, we have a really cool (from my perspective) and innovative program for road improvements: the “Pay-As-You-Go” program. Bellingrath Gardens & Home is now in the process of developing its own “pay as you go” effort. You have been hearing from us about the needs and our planned/designed responses to those needs over the past several months and years. From the Historic Core design process to the Camellia Arboretum to a future childrens’ and family garden to electrical infrastructure to a new back-of-shop service complex, we are investing constantly in BGH’s future.
With this issue, I am proud to share that Bellingrath Gardens & Home has now received the largest single gift in our history – a $500,000 commitment to the restoration of the Camellia Arboretum from the Hearin-Chandler Foundation. We could not be more excited! Earlier this month, we also dedicated the now-restored Summer House, a project that represents a $200,000 investment in an original feature of BGH! How ‘bout these milestones, eh, y’all?!! So many great things are happening that, in truth, it’s sometimes hard for us to keep up.
One other area kind of related to “pay as you go” relates to you, our visitors and supporters. Yes, like you, Bellingrath has not been immune to all of the cost inflation that has plagued us at the pump and in the grocery stores. As such, our costs have gone up, but in consideration for you, we have done market research and have worked to adjust ticket prices for the upcoming Magic Christmas in Lights accordingly. For this year’s festival, we will have reduced admission rates for children (ages 5-12) – our response to knowing that budgets for most households are tight this year. Please know that Bellingrath Gardens & Home is a nonprofit organization, and Magic Christmas in Lights is crucial to our year-round financial stability, but we are understanding of the bigger economic picture that exists in our economy.
Thank you for your support of our work. We exist to honor Walter and Bessie Bellingrath’s legacy, doing so by providing incomparable and memorable experiences that allow you to continue established family traditions at a place of historic beauty and elegance.