Celebrating Lanakila Gardens Foundation and University of North Florida Opera Program
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 5:00 pm, Lanakila Gardens hosted a private evening reception celebrating the beauty, mission, and continued growth of the gardens. Guests heard updates from Foundation President Cheryl Cummer, highlighting recent accomplishments and future initiatives.
Head Horticulturalist Madelaine LeDew spoke about the spring tours and programs held in the gardens, as well as her plans for new offerings in the fall. Students from the UNF Opera Program performed selections from Mozart & More, concluding with Le Nozze di Figaro. The hedges and fountain of the Formal Garden provided a perfect setting for the finale.
Cuisine for the evening was prepared by Chef Chriss Brown, founder of The Empowered Kitchen. The invitation-only event supported the Lanakila Gardens Foundation and The Jack Lyle Opera Fund at the UNF School of Music.
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