A Midsummer Night’s Dream Comes Alive. Annual Gala Spotlights a Critical Need.

On a beautiful summer evening — Saturday, July 19 — Berkshire Botanical Garden blossomed into a whimsical dreamscape as over 200 guests came together to celebrate the annual gala, Fête des Fleurs, an unforgettable night of community and garden enchantment. Themed after Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” this year’s celebration captured the magic of the season while shining a light on a deeply important mission: expanding access to nature-based education for local children.

Held among the blooming beds and winding paths of the Garden itself, the gala transported attendees into a world of fantasy. Guests were treated to a theatrical performance inspired by the Bard’s beloved play, mesmerizing art and garden vistas. Throughout the evening, they enjoyed elegant hors d'oeuvres and refreshments, were serenaded by music from a DJ and surrounded by the scent of midsummer blooms.

But behind the pageantry and beauty lay a heartfelt purpose.

In his remarks, BBG Executive Director Mike Beck reminded guests that the evening was not just a celebration of nature’s splendor, but a rallying cry for support of BBG’s mission — particularly its educational programming. At the heart of that mission is Farm in the Garden Camp, a long-running summer experience for children ages 4 to 12 that has become a cornerstone of the Garden’s community outreach.

“Tonight, I want to share with you the story of our Farm in the Garden Camp,” Beck said. “For the last 15 years, this camp has brought joy to young learners who come here to grow their own vegetables, care for real farm animals and learn in nature together. It’s about so much more than gardening — it’s about nurturing curiosity, responsibility and a deep connection to the environment.”

This summer, BBG will welcome 325 young campers — some from families who need financial assistance. To ensure that the program remains accessible, BBG has created a robust campership program, offering scholarships to help cover tuition. Last year alone, the Garden provided more than $17,000 in campership funds. This year, the need is even greater.

“With state and federal funding for after-school and summer programs drying up, local school districts are scaling back,” Beck explained. “We’re seeing an increased demand from families who want their children to stay connected to the outdoors and to hands-on learning — but can’t afford it. BBG remains ready to help, but we need your help as well.”

BBG Board Chair Matt Larkin joined Beck in thanking the evening’s supporters, including gala committee members Lainie Grant, Anastasia Traina, Scott Cohen, Mitch and Caitlyn Nash, Mark and Tania Walker, Linda O'Connell, Lauretta Harris, Jenna O'Brien, Cynthia Wick, Adegboyega Adefope, Jen Lee, Brett DeRocker, and Roberto Figueiredo.

Financial support from corporate sponsors Qualprint, A.J. Schnopp Jr. Construction, and Berkshire Mountain Distillers helped make the night possible, along with individual donors Andrea Harkins, Francine Bernitz and Scott Lambert, Adaline Frelinghuysen and Titus Ogilvie-Laing, Madeline and Ian Hooper, Linda O'Connell, Ramelle and Michael Pulitzer, Carolina Schulze, Michael Beck and Beau Buffier, Kathi Cafiero, Maria Mackavey Carls, Mary Copeland and Jose Gonzalez, Jr., Jacqueline Del Rossi, Ellen and Scott Hand, Lauretta Harris, Cindy McCollum and John Spellman, John Millar and Rault Kehlor, Jo Dare and Bob Mitchell, Georgeanne and Jean Rousseau, Amy and David Sorkin, William N. Van Alstine, Tania and Mark Walker, Carol and Robert Williams, Suzanne Yale, KK and John Zutter. They also thanked BBG staff, including Director of Special Events Danielle Pellerin.

Guests were also invited to explore the summer art exhibition “Daydream,” featuring works by more than 40 acclaimed artists reflecting on the theme of daydreaming — yet another way BBG blends art, science and nature to inspire the community.

“We can truly celebrate our ‘Midsummer Night's Dream’ tonight,” Beck said, hastening to add that this dream doesn’t end when the lights go down. With community support, BBG can keep the dream alive for hundreds of children, through education, play and a lifelong love of the natural world.

Guests left with more than memories of a beautiful evening. They left with a renewed sense of purpose — to ensure that every child in the community has the chance to learn, grow and dream in nature.

Please consider donating HERE to provide a child with this lasting experience through our Camp Scholarship Fund.