A Night to Celebrate Tony Avent

Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Veitch Memorial Medal

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – 6:00 pm–8:30 pm

Join the JC Raulston Arboretum as we host a fundraising event honoring Tony Avent on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

The JC Raulston Arboretum is thrilled to announce a special fundraising event in honor of Tony Avent, renowned plantsman and owner of Plant Delights Nursery at Juniper Level Botanic Garden, who has recently been awarded the prestigious Veitch Memorial Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

The Veitch Memorial Medal is an international prize awarded annually by the RHS to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement and improvement of the science and practice of horticulture. Since its inception in the 1870s, the medal has been awarded to over 500 recipients worldwide, with Tony Avent being the 25th U.S. recipient.

A special celebratory and fundraising dinner will take place on May 14, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Join us for a special celebration honoring Tony Avent, recognizing his remarkable contributions to horticulture and his dedication to plant conservation. The evening will feature an open bar with beer and wine in the garden, a delicious plated dinner, a live auction and of course some good-natured fun all in honor of Tony. We have even invited fellow Veitch Memorial Medal awardee, Dan Hinkley to join us.

"We are honored to celebrate Tony Avent's achievements with this event," said Mark Weathington, Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum. "The Veitch Memorial Medal is the who's who of horticulture at the very highest level. Tony's contributions to horticulture and his unwavering support for plant conservation align perfectly with our mission. This event is not only a celebration of his accomplishments but also an opportunity to support the ongoing efforts in plant research and education at Juniper Level Botanic Garden."

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Tony and Anita Avent Endowment for the Juniper Level Botanic Garden at the JC Raulston Arboretum.

Cost

$300.00 for one ticket, $450.00 per couple.

Limited number of tickets will be available for this special fundraising event that will benefit the Tony and Anita Avent Endowment for the Juniper Level Botanic Garden.

Registration

Registration for this event is open. Advance registration is required and available online through the registration store.

Cancellation

The event is non-refundable. If you register and are no longer able to attend this fundraiser event, we kindly request that you let us know at least two weeks prior to the event so we can provide accurate numbers to the caterers.

Location

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Directions

Need directions? Click here.

Parking

Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.

Questions

Contact the JCRA Events Team at jcra-events@ncsu.edu for more information about this event.