Tribute Benches

Create a Legacy for Loved Ones at the JCRA

We know that for many of our visitors, the Arboretum holds a special place in your lives. From summer walks in the Asian Valley to weddings in the White Garden, the JCRA plays a part in many treasured memories. Offering tribute benches is one way in which we hope to serve the significance of these memories. In doing so, we keep these memories alive, celebrate the legacy of your loved ones, and contribute to the remarkable community spirit of the Arboretum.

Tribute benches add beauty to our gardens and provide places of rest and contemplation for our visitors. JCRA staff will work with you to determine placement of your bench, which can be located in one our of the gardens or along scenic pathways. In addition to providing a critical resource to our garden, gifts to place benches also support the care and maintenance of our gardens, plant collections, and programs. Tribute gifts support the JC Raulston Arboretum Endowment for Excellence, which ensures that the JCRA continues to be a renowned public, research, and teaching garden with a strong and vibrant future.

Tribute benches are constructed of either stone, which are locally handcrafted from a variety of stone materials, or wooden, which are made from sustainably-harvested teak. Along with a 100% tax-deductible contribution receipt from NC State University, your gift also includes an engraved plaque and recognition on our Donor Honor Roll published in the JCRA Annual Report. Please see below for more detailed information about each type of bench.

stone bench

Stone Benches

Cost: $10,000–$15,000
Guaranteed maintenance period: 25 years
Plaques: 

  • Dimensions of 6” × 4”
  • Engraved copy filled with dark green lettering and an outdoor coating
  • Mounted with silicone and keyhole 
  • Made of Corian
  • Text designated by donor

teak bench

Teak Benches

Cost: $5,000
Guaranteed maintenance period: 10 years
Plaques: 

  • Dimensions : 10.25" × 2.25" (Gravoglass) or 6-1/4" × 2-6/16" (Brass)
  • Glossy gold with black lettering
  • Mounted with four brass screws
  • Made of either Gravoglas, two-plex, 1/8" thickness or Brass, 1/16" thickness
  • Text designated by donor

For more information regarding these benches or other garden naming opportunities available at the JC Raulston Arboretum, please contact Alycia Thornton, director of development, at (919) 513-7068 or alycia_thornton@ncsu.edu.