Young Friends
Young Friends of the Garden
Fest-of-AleYoung Friends of the Garden is a group of young professionals with an interest in the Garden’s work in promoting sustainability and strengthening cultural life. Participants enjoy opportunities to meet other young professionals and socialize at after-hours Garden events. Signature Young Friends events include Fest-of-Ale, an annual tasting of locally brewed beers each fall, and the annual Trivia Night–Garden Style.

Young Friends Council
The Young Friends program is led by the Young Friends Council, a group of 40 young-professional leadership volunteers who serve as ambassadors for the Garden within the community. A call for Council members is made every spring through the Young Friends email list and through our Facebook group. Council members are selected through a résumé submission process by a nominating committee consisting of current Council members.

Meet the Chair! Council chair Brad Landsbaum
Brad Landsbaum, Vice President of Trust Administration at Commerce Bank, became the second chair of the Council in July 2014. Learn a little more about him.

Sign up for the Young Friends email list

To learn more, please email young_friends@mobot.org or call (314) 577-9432.

Success in 2014

Children's GardenThe Young Friends Council decided that all proceeds raised through Young Friends events in 2014 through 2018 would be directed to support the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. The Council set an internal goal of $30,000 for 2014 and held 5 events to raise those funds. These events included perennial favorites Trivia Night—Garden Style, Tulip Trot, and Fest-of-Ale as well as new offerings Be A Kid Again and the Summer 5K Fun Run.

The Young Friends raised over $50,000 through these events. These funds will be used by the Children’s Garden for physical improvements to the Nature Explore Classroom, including a new log-climbing structure, new instruments, and a weaving loom. Funds will also support education staff, program enhancements, and seasonal closing weekend activities.

The Young Friends Council is excited to continue this success in 2015.

Facebook linkWant to stay in the know?  Join the Young Friends of the Garden's Facebook group.  Join the Young Friends on Facebook