Arboretum Turns to MINI Cooper for 2007 Raffle Fundraiser

ESPERANCE, NY (05/14/2007)(readMedia)-- In a bid to raise operating funds - and attract a new generation of visitors to its spectacular 548-acre site in Montgomery and Schoharie counties -- the Landis Arboretum will raffle a MINI Cooper, with promotional assistance provided by Keeler MINI (Latham, NY). Only 350 tickets will be sold at $100 each.

The MINI Cooper can be seen at the Arboretum's signature Plant Sale weekend, May 19 - 20, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Following the event, interested raffle participants are invited to view the MINI Cooper at the Keeler Motor Car Company showroom at 1111 Troy-Schenectady Road (Route 7), Latham, NY (www.keeler.com)

According to Landis Board President Barbara Brabetz, the Arboretum approached Keeler Motors at the request of Trustee Scott Trees, a long-time Keeler customer and stalwart MINI Cooper owner and advocate. "Scott sold us on the idea that the size and gas mileage of the car reflected some of our concerns as an environmentally focused organization. We also believe that Keeler's stature in the region as a premiere dealership with an established reputation for integrity and customer services represent qualities that align with our organizational values."

From his perspective, Scott Trees is pleased to partner with Keeler Motor Car Company in their first vehicle raffle. "All of us at the Arboretum have high expectations for very positive outcomes in this innovative venture to generate operating funds and to raise general awareness of the Arboretum's educational and family-focused programs."

MINI and More…

The 2007 MINI Cooper is at the center of this year’s Arboretum Raffle fundraiser. Instantly recognizable by its unique styling, the car is considered to be a compact powerhouse whose near-instant and widespread popularity has made it a break-through highway icon. With its bravura bulldog stance, the handsomely equipped MINI features six airbags and side protection, an Ultra-Rigid body, 1.6 L 16-valve Alloy Engine, and 118 horsepower @6000 rpm. The popular MINI includes an array of active and passive safety features, a boot-load of personal options, and impressive gas mileage of 32 MPG city/40 MPG Highway - making it one of the highest smiles for miles rating of any car in its class. MINI fans take pride in owning a car reputed for its huge impact on driving fun -- not the environment.

Participants in the Arboretum Raffle MINI Cooper Raffle fundraiser are eligible for two additional prizes: 2nd prize: $250 and 3rd prize: $150. Winning tickets will be drawn at the Landis Arboretum Winter Auction Fundraising Event in December. Participants need not be present to win. Proceeds of the raffle to benefit the Landis Arboretum. Raffle ticket purchasers are advised that the sponsor of this raffle, the Landis Arboretum, by law, is required to withhold 25% of the fair market value of the prize won ($20,000) minus the ticket amount upon acceptance of the winning prize (MINI Cooper) for the payment of any income taxes that may be assessed against purchaser. The purchaser further acknowledges and accepts responsibility for the payment of any federal or state income taxes and any and all subsequent fees (including title, insurance, and taxes associated with ownership).

Buy Now and Take the Wheel to a Cleaner Environment

Tickets for the Arboretum MINI Cooper raffle may be purchased in person at the Landis Arboretum at 171 Lape Road in Esperance. Tickets also are available by mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope containing check or money order payable to Landis Arboretum PO Box 186, Esperance, NY 12066. Indicate Keeler MINI Cooper on the memo line. For credit card payments, phone the Arboretum at 518-875-6935/landis@midtel.net.

Kudos for Keeler

The Keeler Motor Car Company on Route 7 in Latham showcases six manufacturers: Honda, BMW, MINI, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz are all available for sale and lease along with a large assortment of quality pre-owned vehicles from a variety of auto makers. Each Keeler showroom offers complete Service and Parts departments and a full service Collision Center with highly qualified technicians and informed, courteous personnel. Attention to detail is a Keeler hallmark.

Keeler Motor Car Company has a longstanding and strong commitment to Capital Region communities through numerous sponsorships and donations to local and national organizations and charities, such as the Susan G. Koman BMW Ultimate Drive ® for the Cure, Proctor’s Theater, Special Olympics, Saratoga Automobile Museum, and the Red Cross.

About Arboretum Plant Sale Weekend

Scheduled for Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, from 10 AM - 4 PM, the 35th annual Spring Plant/Book/Bake Sale will include the traditional Pick of the Pots (PoPs) members-only preview party on Friday, May 18, as well as the popular used-book and bake sales.

"Our Spring Plant Sale is our signature event and largest fundraiser," says Barbara Brabetz, President of the organization’s Board of Trustees and Chair of the Natural Science Department at SUNY Cobleskill. "This event provides an opportunity for residents and businesses to acquire beautiful and unusual plants, shrubs, and trees - while at the same time help to support the existence of the Arboretum as an evolving and nationally recognized center of scientific excellence. It also gives the Arboretum’s Board an opportunity to spend quality time in an informal setting with our members and volunteers, who are critical to continued operations at Landis."

People and Plants, Naturally

Under the unifying theme which partners people and plants in ensuring the sustainability of the planet, this year's offerings will reflect uncommon diversity with an eclectic offering of trees, plants, and shrubs.

"Our goal is to offer something for every gardener's taste and landscape," says Jeff Schworm who worked in tandem with Board member Scott Trees as Plant Sale procurement specialist for the May event.

According to Mr. Schworm, the William T. Raymond Greenhouse at the Arboretum will play an important role in this year's offerings. "We have a great collection of garden lilies growing in the greenhouse right now and the opportunity to pluck them direct from the benches should add to the thrill," he says.

Sunday Artisans’ Sale

In addition, this year, the signature fundraising weekend will include a select group of regional artisans on Sunday, May 20.

Among those expected to participate in Artisan's Sunday are: Andrea Schleider, Passing Fancy; Betty Pillsbury, The Green Spiral; Jan Hornbach Watercolors; Kathy Cornell, Papier Moon Primitives; Kate Hahn, Hahn Studio; Sharon Pasquini, Thistle Hill Soap; Kirsten Sanchirico, Kirsten's Beeswax Candles; Kathy Catlin of Kings Creek Pottery; Barbara Weloth’s Homegrown Designs and Garden Accessories; Mary Ann Schuler, Fish Rubbings and Photography; Judy Helfrich, Jeweler; Wendy Kass, Bindi? (Jeweler); Scott Zampier, Earthy Originals ™; BJ's Personalized Garden Bricks; St. Leo's Enterprises, earthworm castings; Amy Howansky, Mother Earth Mementos (nature-related jewelry); and In the Gardens, fresh-roasted, gourmet coffees.

Plant Sale weekend will take place rain or shine, and all proceeds from the event will benefit maintenance and improvements at Landis, the Capital Region's arboretum. There is no admission and parking is free.

Meet the Victorians

Members of the Victorian Social Club and Victorian Cultural League also are expected to be on site for a picnic and stroll at the event. The Victorian Social Club started in 1995, when five like-minded people gathered at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs to enjoy a picnic. Dressed in Victorian garb, with picnic baskets filled with sweets and savories, starched white linens, fancy silver and delicate china, their founding members traveled back to the 19th Century. Since that day their numbers have grown, but their goal is still to learn about Victorian life and culture by recreating Victorian events. Toward this end, they encourage members to don authentic or period style dress to all their events.

Bookies in Paradise

The natural splendors of the 548-acre Landis Arboretum is bound to be the destination of choice for book buyers, sellers, and collectors for the Used Book Sale scheduled in concert with the Arboretum's Plant Sale. Bibliophiles are always well-rewarded with thousands of titles in good condition to browse through and buy, while surrounded by the more than 6,000 trees, plants, shrubs, and perennials at the event. Regardless of the weather, the Annual Plant and Book Sale will take place; the books are under cover in the Arboretum's 1830s English barn.

The annual Book Sale is made possible through the generosity of the Arboretum’s many friends and supporters who collect books throughout the year with the sale in mind. Dozens of volunteers clean and categorize the offerings - both hard and soft cover - that range from 25-cents to as low as $2 for hardcover editions. Categories include, but are not limited to, science and nature, gardening, reference, poetry, child, mystery, self-help, diet and nutrition. Donations of books in good condition are always welcomed. Please contact the Arboretum with information about book donations by May 10.

Migrating Geese and Cobblestones

Each year the Arboretum offers a quilt sponsored and created by member-volunteers. This year’s offering is titled Migrating Geese and Cobblestones. The beautiful 64 x 85 hand-sewn, cotton quilt with batting will be unveiled at the Plant Sale. Volunteer Toine Wyckoff (Niskayuna) assembled the pieces that comprise the comely quilt and well-known Voorheesville craftsman Lew "Quiltsmith" Schedlbauer combined and stitched the pattern to backing.

"This is more than a mere wall hanging," says Toine. "Because of its size, the more utilitarian among us might just as easily use it for as a bed cover; and its colors - ranging from woody greens to florals include golds, greens, yellow, red and blue -- and animals in fine detail - expand its possibilities for any home’s style."

Visitors can see for themselves, greet friends and neighbors, and inspect a 2007 MINI Cooper from Keeler Motor Car Company at the Arboretum Spring Plant/Book/Bake/Artisans/Quilt Sale!

The Landis Arboretum is located 1.5 miles off Scenic-designated Route 20 in Esperance, an easy and beautiful ride from everywhere. Visitors to the Landis Arboretum will find themselves within minutes of the adventures of Howe Caverns (518-296-8900, www.HoweCaverns.com), the 25-acre Old Stone Fort Museums Complex (518.295.7192), and historic Sharon Springs (www.sharonspringschamber.com).

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Posted Monday May 14, 2007 at 02:50 pm by Landis Arboretum