Hearts in the Gardens is warming hearts

Executive Director Sally Cunningham says her heart is all warmed up because of the generous donations for the National Garden Festival's fundraiser auctions! "People have been incredibly generous," she says, "in spite of a so much competition always asking businesses for donations."


Guests at the Valentine's Day event, held at the Botanical Gardens but exclusively for support of the six-week summer Festival--will bid on (and have very good odds of winning) over 60 Valentine's Day gifts including romantic hotel overnights, intimate restaurant dinners, event tickets, gardener's treasures, wine baskets, jewelry and many gifts -- even a gas grill!

"The setting will be romantic, there will be chocolate and wine, and we're supporting an image-changing, tourist-attracting, Buffalo/Niagara boosting happening.... What could be better?" Sally asks all gardeners and garden visitors to please come, as the fundraiser is truly important for event planning to move forward. ($75 per couple; $50 individual ticket -- includes seriously fine hors d'oeuvres, drinks and desserts). Info and registration: www.NationalGardenFestival.com.

The Silent & Chinese Auction items will include:

• Brighton Eggert Florist - gift certificate $50.00
• Wild Things Artisan Jewelry - necklace $80.00
• Bloom Floristry and Special Event Planning - basket- unknown value
• Caputis Liquors - 1 bottle of wine
• Salvatores - gift certificate $25.00
• Bank Street Auto
• Wild Birds Unlimited - bird feeder and seed
• David Clark
• Deerhead Inn - $40.00 Gift Certificate
• Urban Roots - wheel barrow with plants/merchandise
• Pepsi - 4 tickets to Kissing Bridge
• National Fuel - gas grill
• Antoinette's Sweets - $15.00 gift card
• Avenzzano Ristorante -  $50.00 gift card
• Plantasia - 4 tickets
• Kosta's Family Restraunt - $25.00 gift card
• The Melting Pot - $50.00 gift card
• Pearl Street Grill & Brewery - $50.00 gift certificate
• Gordon Biersch Brewery Restraunt - $50.00 gift card
• Acqua Restraunt & Banquets - $35.00 gift certificate
• Milos Restraunt - $50.00 gift card 
• A Jacket and a stay at the Hampton Inn
• Four $25 gift cards for Galleria Mall
• "Dessert for Two" at Alethea's Chocolates (Williamsville)
• Two tickets for the Philharmonic- BPO Classics Concert
• $50 gift card to the Hard Rock Cafe
• Gift certificate for a Swedish Massage at Excuria Salon and Spa (Williamsville)
• Shannon Pub - $25.00 gift certificate
• R Salon - gift certificate for a facial
• Delta Sonic
• Lockwood's Greenhouses - Gift basket
• Great garden books, including author-signed collection from Sally Cunningham
• Forest Lawn - guided tour of Forest Lawn for 6-8 people
• Judy Tucholski-Zon - Mikasa vase
• Eileen Graetz - Framed artwork, original photo for '11 Garden Walk Buffalo poster
• Tempo - $100
• The Mansion - overnight stay
• Hyatt - overnight stay
• SeaBar - gift card  
• Lake Effect Diner - $30.00 gift certificate
• Steer Restaurant & Saloon - $50.00 gift certificate
• Talking Leaves Books - two garden books 
• Parkside Candy - $46.00 basket of various candy.
• Budway's Super Market $20.00
• Garden Walk Buffalo Book & plaque-mounted poster
• Paul Maze Photographer - Peace Bridge print  $150.00
• Paul Maze Photographer - Buffalo Bills Print  $200.00
• Gernatt Family of Companies - Valentines themed wine basket
• Russell's Steaks, Chops and More - $25.00 gift certificate
• Mischlers Florist 2- $20.00 gift certificates
• Chef's Restaurant - $25.00 gift card 

Wine compliments of:
Merritt Estate Winery of Forestville, N.Y. (Vintner and wine expert will be pouring) www.merrittestatewinery.com
and Liberty Vineyards of Sheridan, N.Y. www.libertywinery.com
www.lakeeeriewinecountry.org?