The George H. Cook Community Alumni Association is the recipient of the “Hamilton Award for Dedication and Outstanding Commitment to the Rutgers Gardens.” Also called the DOC award in honor of, Prof. Bruce “Doc” Hamilton, the former Executive Director of the gardens, the award recognizes the Alumni Association for its long-time and varied support.

The Cook Alumni Association, with the help of many individual alumni, built the Alumni Pavilion and patio at the Log Cabin to reduce site erosion during events.  The association also funded the attractive post and rail fence that defines and protects the Log Cabin campus, promotes Garden events, and participated in the Garden Master Planning process.  Many alumni assist at the gardens through the on-going volunteer program or through charitable donations.

The award will be presented at the Third Annual Gardens Gala in early September 2009 at the Gardens, located at 112 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, N.J.  Previous award recipients were Bruce Hamilton and the New Jersey Federation of Garden Clubs.

In addition to the sale of tickets to the Gala, the fund-raising will include a live auction, featuring unusual plants and other garden related items.  Raffle tickets for gift baskets of donated items will also be available for sale. The funds from the Garden Gala will go towards day-to-day operations and will help with the costs of expansion construction.  Donations of auction items are welcome.

Rutgers Gardens is self-sustaining, raising all funds used for student workers, buildings and grounds maintenance, plant acquisition, and new garden features The Gardens Gala raises funds to support garden operations and expansion.  Rutgers Gardens is used by students in the horticulture and landscape architecture undergraduate programs as well as many other educational and out reach programs. The Gardens hosts groups who come to learn as well as enjoy all of the different features of gardening currently on display.  Rutgers Gardens and its staff provide training for gardeners of all levels, from beginners to the Master Gardener.

Gala ticket sales will be on a first come first served basis – seating is limited to 250 guests.  For information on tickets or to make a donation please contact Mary Ann Schrum at the Gardens office – 732-932-8451 or schrum@aesop.rutgers.edu. For ongoing updates go to http://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu.