Sherman Library & Gardens’ 2nd Annual Botanical Ball to recognize philanthropist Janet Curci, raise educational funds
Sherman Library & Gardens will host the 2nd Annual Botanical Ball on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 6-10 p.m. The event will present the Arnold D. Haskell Award to Janet Curci, noted Corona del Mar philanthropist and raise funds for Sherman’s educational and lifelong learning initiatives.
More than 200 guests will gather in Sherman’s magical garden setting under sparkling lights to enjoy an evening of food, music and friends.
The evening will feature a presentation to Janet Curci, philanthropist, volunteer and super-ambassador of all things Sherman. Curci’s roots with Sherman go deep; her family has been in the community since the 1940s, and she has been directly involved with Sherman Library & Gardens since the 1960s.
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Courtesy of Sherman Library & Gardens
Corona del Mar philanthropist Janet Curci to receive the Arnold D. Haskell Award at the Botanical Ball on October 3
Curci recently gave a leadership gift to Grow The Gardens for the Janet Curci Family ticket booth.
“I can’t even remember the first time I visited Sherman Library & Gardens; I think I’ve been here since the beginning. We’ve been going for years to this jewel…this oasis…this sanctuary…right here in the middle of Corona del Mar,” said Curci. “There is much that has changed in the area that I love so deeply, but Sherman keeps going on. It’s homegrown, and wholly unexpected to find such a unique place here in Southern California. I’m so excited for the future of The Gardens; I know it’s going to be spectacular.”
Sherman Library & Gardens is honoring Curci with the 2026 Arnold D. Haskell award because of her enthusiasm, generosity and being an ambassador of goodwill for the organization.
The evening will also include a fast-paced auction, featuring a paddle raise and unique experiences:
–Paddle Raise: Sherman will auction several of the gorgeous glass tiles on the Crown of the Sea wall on Pacific Coast Highway and commemorative bricks that will line the path of the new Reflection Garden.
–Live Auction: South Coast Plaza VIP Style, Luxury & Indulgence – a VIP day of luxury, style and exceptional dining as an exclusive South Coast Plaza experience for four. This day includes the arrival in a Bentley Continental GTC (for two days for the winner), a $1,500 South Coast Plaza gift card, annual valet parking, an ACCESS Suite pass, a two-hour session with a personal stylist, a private Fueguia Shopping Experience at this exclusive fragrance house and dinner at Populaire Modern Bistro.
–Live Auction: Bentley, Birdies and Bungalow Bliss – a coastal luxury weekend for two featuring a stay at Pelican Hill with a round of golf. Winners will drive a Bentley Continental GTG for the weekend on their way to Spa Gregorie’s and then on to dinner at The Bungalow. This live auction item is pure Newport Beach style!
–Live Auction: Sushi, Sake & An Evening in The Garden – an unforgettable evening at Sherman Library & Gardens, featuring a private after-hours tour and a special kokedama demonstration of Japanese-inspired living botanical sculptures. Then there is an intimate private sushi party for 10 guests with a personal sushi chef and special sake tasting.
–Live Auction: A special live auction package from Chopard jewelry.
Sherman Library & Gardens’ 2nd Annual Botanical Ball is presented by South Coast Plaza and Chopard. Sherman is grateful to its donors and sponsors who made this event possible. Proceeds from the event will support Sherman’s major educational initiatives such as the Living Classroom, which promotes lifelong learning, from early childhood through adulthood. The Living Classroom at Sherman encompasses a continuum of learning experiences for all ages.
Sherman Library & Gardens is located at 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. For more information, visit www.thesherman.org.
