Our Mission
To support, advance and help develop cultural and environmental projects, programs and other initiatives at Pinecrest Gardens, and to provide a mechanism for private contributions, grants and funding. With performing arts, fine art, eco-art and environmental education at its core, we will help to grow audiences with a focus on diversity, inclusivity and affordability while encouraging assistance from the greater community through memberships and donations.
Vision
Friends of Pinecrest Gardens is helping to advance Pinecrest Gardens by doing its part to convey what it means to experience and support a great cultural, educational, historical and recreational facility.
HistoryHistory
History
In 2020, civic leaders founded The Friends of Pinecrest Gardens to assist the Village with development of educational and cultural programming and to procure funding for these programs. Additionally, the Friends of Pinecrest Gardens Board of Directors will serve as Placemakers who facilitate the funding of capital projects including expansion and upgrades to its recreational and cultural facilities. Today, nearly twenty years after it opened, Pinecrest Gardens welcomes more than 180,000 visitors annually, who enjoy nature trails through three unique eco-systems, twelve acres of botanical and specialty gardens, seven sculptures, and a multitude of annual educational programs, exhibits and events for all ages. By aligning with Master Plans adopted in 2019, the Friends look forward to being part of the team to complete and enhance Pinecrest Gardens over the next decade. While the Village will commit public funds for the infrastructure and ongoing maintenance of this community asset, much of the programming and capital improvements will come from grants, fundraising initiatives and donations.
Board of Directors
Board Chair
B.J. Duncan, Director of CARTA Facilities, Florida International University
Board Members
Thomas “Tim” Abbott, Treasurer
Community Volunteer
Cristina Blanco
Executive Director, Pinecrest Gardens
Tasha Cunningham
Managing Partner, The Brand Advocates
Anna Hochkammer
Vice Mayor, Village of Pinecrest
Joshua Kaufman
Real Estate Advisor, Compass Realty
Alana Perez, Vice Chair
Cultural Consultant, Aria Consultant
H.K. “Skip” Pita, Secretary
Partner, Pita Weber Del Prado, PA
Counsel
Daniela Cimo
Associate, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman
Roger C. Pou
Associate, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman