The San Antonio Botanical Garden’s 19th Annual Splendor in the Garden Gala
Thursday, October 22, 2026
6:30 – 11:00 PM
Hosted by San Antonio Botanical Garden President & CEO Katherine Trumble,
with Event Co-Chairs Melody McMahon and Clair McMahon Jones
The San Antonio Botanical Garden exists to enrich lives through plants and nature. This mission comes to life through conservation, education, and community programs that expand access to the natural world.
Splendor in the Garden Gala is an evening in support of that mission, inspired by the spirit of 1920s botanical exploration and the early orchid discoveries that shaped plant science.
Guests will experience signature cocktails, al fresco dining, live music, storytelling, and a one-night-only speakeasy—all in celebration of the upcoming Napier Orchid Pavilion.
For table sponsorships and underwriting opportunities, contact the Development Team at splendor@sabgtx.org.
Attire: Formal
Join us for an elegant evening in the Garden. Formal attire is encouraged, including floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses, and tailored suits.
A Note on Footwear: Dinner will be served on Greehey Lawn, so we recommend block heels, wedges, or dressy flats for navigating the grass comfortably.
$675 per person
Limited availability
Up to 2 tickets per person
Table Sponsorships
Cattleya
$50,000
- Table for 20 with premier seating
- Concierge service
- Premium reserve wines
- Custom place card settings for your guests
- Name recognition during event remarks and a three-minute speaking opportunity from the podium
- Choice of name or logo recognition on event materials and webpage
- 20 invitations to VIP Reception
- Name and spotlight as Signature Table Sponsor on SABG website
- 25 one-day Garden guest passes
- Your choice of a “Behind the Scenes” Garden tour with the CEO or CMO for up to 10 people
- One free daytime use of a meeting room (excludes The Betty Kelso Center)
- Opportunity to gift an annual “Patron Level” membership to an individual/family of your choice
Vanda
$25,000
- Table for 10 with priority seating
- Concierge service
- Premium wines
- Custom place card settings for your guests
- Name recognition during event remarks
- Choice of name or logo recognition on event materials and webpage
- 10 invitations to VIP Reception
Cymbidium
$10,000
- Table for 10
- Choice of name or logo recognition on event materials and webpage
- 4 invitations to VIP Reception
Dendrobium
$7,500
- Table for 8
- Name listed on event materials
- 2 invitations to VIP Reception
Auction & Raffle Packages
This special package will be offered during the live auction at the Splendor in the Garden Gala on October 22. Guests will have the opportunity to bid live for their chance to take home this one-of-a-kind experience.
Pre-Sale: $75 per ticket!
Regular Price: $100 per ticket, or buy three, get one FREE.
Two winning raffle tickets will be drawn from one pot during a live drawing at the afterparty on October 22. Tickets may be purchased in advance and at the event. You do not need to be present to win.
Starting Bid: $5,000
Celebrate the opening of the Garden’s Napier Orchid Pavilion with a one-of-a-kind, 40″ x 40″ silk scarf by Estancia Clothing, inspired by the botanical exploration and early orchid discoveries that shaped our understanding of these extraordinary plants and their cloud forest habitats.
Founded by sisters Margaret and Alicia McAllen, Estancia celebrates the vastness and rich cultural heritage of Texas through art, textiles and modern interpretations of the Western silhouette. Their shared backgrounds in studio art, textiles, printmaking, fashion and art history inform a design approach rooted in both heritage and contemporary style.
Created in celebration of the Garden’s next chapter in orchid exploration, this one-of-a-kind silk scarf brings together Texas design, botanical discovery and the spirit of the Cloud Forest in a truly special keepsake.
One-of-a-kind. 40″ x 40″. Framed.
Starting Bid: $2,500
Bring together 10 guests for an intimate al fresco culinary experience by celebrated San Antonio Chef Mark Weaver of the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Thoughtfully curated for your group, this exclusive garden experience showcases the bold, vibrant and seasonal flavors of South Texas.
For up to 10 guests. Redeemable through October 2027 with 8-10 weeks’ notice, based on chef’s availability.
Estimated Value: $14,000
Bring your next celebration to the Garden with this exceptional package featuring a one-day rental of The Betty Kelso Center and an event photography package from Parish Photography.
The Betty Kelso Center offers elegant indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for weddings, milestone celebrations and corporate gatherings. This package includes venue furnishings, 11 hours of booked venue time including setup and teardown, access to both bridal and groom rooms, and access for guests to enjoy the Garden during operating hours.
Redeemable through October 2027 with advance booking required through rentthegarden@sabgtx.org. Blackout dates may apply.
Please note: The exclusive venue rental package excludes staffing and additional add-on options such as, but not limited to, additional setup time, bar services, stage, AV, etc.
Estimated Value: $6,240
Bring a little of the Garden home with this distinctive collection pairing original art, one-of-a-kind design, orchids and native plant expertise.
Tawny Brindle Cowhide Safari Chair
A striking Sapele and Hide safari chair featuring a hickory wood frame, Havana brown bridle leather deck and strapping, and a tawny brindle cowhide back and cushion. Hardware features a combination of stainless steel, nickel and chrome.
Orchid Arrangement
A beautiful orchid arrangement from Busy Botanical, provided by Chelsea Crisler, Horticulturist and Botanical Artist, displayed in a beautiful handmade ceramic pot planter.
“Saguaro” by Delores O’Neill Meldrum
An original watercolor by 20th-century artist Delores O’Neill Meldrum, who painted and sold beautiful watercolor and oil paintings under her brush name, Delores O’Neill Meldrum. This framed work, Saguaro, measures 14.5″ x 16.5″.
Private Native Plant Tour with Michael Eason
Take an intimate tour of the Texas Native Trail and the Garden’s conservation collections with Michael Eason and the VP of Conservation and Collections. Enjoy light refreshments and receive a personally signed copy of Texas Wildflowers as a memento.
Gain insider knowledge of native plants, conservation practices and Texas landscapes in a private, guided experience for up to 12 guests.
Redeemable through October 2027 with 6–8 weeks’ notice. Blackout dates may apply.
Estimated Value: $2,000
Treat yourself to a little time devoted to feeling refreshed and renewed with two premium laser treatments from San Antonio Med Spa.
CoolPeel Laser Treatment for Face & Neck
Enjoy one premium CoolPeel laser treatment for the face and neck at San Antonio Med Spa. The voucher is valid through December 2027 and is not convertible to cash or applicable toward other products or services.
ClearLift Skin Rejuvenation Treatment
Enjoy one premium ClearLift Skin Rejuvenation laser treatment at San Antonio Med Spa. The voucher is valid through December 2027 and is not convertible to cash or applicable toward other products or services.
Splendor in the Garden is more than a celebration—it is an opportunity to support the Garden’s programs, plant collections, and community initiatives. Every contribution helps the Garden thrive and share its beauty with visitors today and for generations to come.
All underwriters receive:
- Name or logo recognition in event materials
- Invitation to the annual donor reception
Custom underwriting levels at $30,000 and above can be created.
(2 available)
Special recognition at signature cocktail bar and in printed program
(1 available)
Special recognition from podium at start of Paddle Raise and in printed program
Celebrating Our Valued Supporters
Legacy Leader
Vanda
Melody McMahon
Cymbidium
Co-Chairs
Melody McMahon and Clair McMahon Jones
About Melody McMahon
Melody McMahon has called San Antonio home for most of her life and has long been devoted to gardening, volunteerism, and philanthropy centered around bringing natural beauty to others. With a lifelong passion for flowers and all things green, she became a Master Gardener in 2005, a reflection of her deep knowledge and commitment to cultivating and sharing the beauty of natural spaces. She has spent countless hours contributing to public gardens while also tending to her own garden and greenhouse, which have become a place of both creativity and connection. She is honored to co-chair Splendor in the Garden alongside her daughter, Clair, continuing a shared appreciation for the beauty and inspiration found at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Melody holds dear the opportunity to help bring this year’s celebration to life, supporting the Garden’s mission and fostering a love of nature for generations to come.
About Clair McMahon Jones
Clair McMahon is a San Antonio native who grew up cherishing frequent visits to the Botanical Garden with her family, where her love of nature was first nurtured by her mother, Melody, who she is honored to co-chair Splendor in the Garden alongside. After spending eight years in New York City, Clair returned home with a renewed appreciation for the importance of green spaces and the way they connect people from all walks of life, offering both beauty and a sense of grounding. Clair and her husband, Marc Jones, enjoy traveling, especially time spent in England with his family, and life at home with their beloved pets. She holds dear the memories made at the Garden while looking forward to helping bring this year’s celebration to life in support of its continued growth and impact.
2026 Steering Committee
Cece and Brent Given
CeCe and James Griffin
Janet and Steve Huffman
Londi Paige
Joannah and Christopher Pickett, M.D.
Sandi and Scott Teeter
Susan Shown Todd