Texas Discovery Gardens - 2013 Flora Award Recipient Announced

Jan Pickens, Carolyn Lupton, Robert Grackvill, Caroline Rose Hunt, Dee Wyly

Texas Discovery Gardens has announced that Jan Pickens will be the 2013 recipient of the prestigious Flora Award. On November 7, 2013 at 7PM, Pickens will be honored at the annual black-tie gala in Fair Park for her devotion to helping the community and long-time support of the Gardens. The Award serves to recognize outstanding citizens who have demonstrated a commitment to beautification, education and the advancement of the environment and quality of life. 

Jennifer Huff, Courtney Love

“In the Flora Award’s 31 years, we have enjoyed an exceptional list of honorees, and this year continues that incredible tradition,” said 2013 Flora Award co chair, Jennifer Huff.  Co chair Courtney Love added: “Jan Pickens is tireless in her quest to raise money and awareness for the causes she holds dear.  Her work with the Salvation Army is revered, and for Texas Discovery Gardens, it was Jan who took the Flora Award from a simple tea and turned it into the elegant event it is today.  She has grace, elegance and a deep faith -- there is no one more deserving of this award than she.”

Grant Rogan, Tiffany Divis

Pickens has been instrumental in Texas Discovery Gardens’ mission by serving as a volunteer, Board member and chair of the Flora Award.  Her extensive work in the community includes support for countless organizations, including the Salvation Army, for which she was recognized by their National Board with the “Others” Award, the Junior League of Dallas, the Crystal Charity Ball Committee, Women’s Guild of the Dallas Society for Crippled Children, United Way, the Dallas Woman’s Club, Dallas Historical Society, M.D. Anderson, United Cerebral Palsy of Metropolitan Dallas for which she received the 2003 “Distinguished Service Award”, Meals on Wheels and many more.  Most recently, the Dallas Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi honored her with the 2012 Founder’s Day Award for Community Service. 

Lynn McBee, Jan Pickens

Funds raised through the Flora Award help Texas Discovery Gardens’ staff achieve their mission to teach effective ways to restore, conserve and preserve nature in an urban setting, with a focus on gardening organically and sustainably.  Past winners have included Ellen and John McStay, Ebby Halliday Acers, Peggy and Carl Sewell, Dee and Charles Wyly, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and last year’s recipient, Barbara Hunt Crow.

  

The 2013 Flora Award will be held at Texas Discovery Gardens November 7, 2013. Tickets start at $300 and tables start at $3,000.  Those who purchase tables or tickets $500 and above will be invited to a Patron Party which will be held at the house of Mrs. Charles Wyly on September 18, 2013. For ticket information, call Sarah Gardner, Marketing Manager, at 214-428-7476, ext. 230, or e-mail SGardner@TexasDiscoveryGardens.org.