River Farm, the national headquarters of the American Horticultural Society in Mount Vernon, received a $5 million donation from long-time Board of Directors member Marcia Zech to establish an endowment, AHS officials announced at their Sept. 21 gala.

Zech was one of the five board members, dubbed “the faithful five,” who opposed selling the 25-acre Potomac River property in 2020 when the Board announced they would sell it and merge with the American Public Gardens Association. A public outcry erupted and a year-long battle ensued with the five board members who supported selling the property eventually resigning. The property was taken off the market.

Zech, a resident of Mercer Island, Washington, started serving in 2011 and chaired the board from 2021 to 2022. She helped mobilize the successful campaign to save River Farm by reaching out to the public, the media and elected officials.

“Her gift is a tremendous vote of confidence in AHS, that she would make such a generous gift and investment in our future,” said Suzanne B. Laporte, AHS President and Chief Executive Officer. “An endowment is a sign of a strong nonprofit organization, which we haven’t had until now. We are unbelievably grateful to Marcia for her belief in the mission of AHS and her trust in the current board and staff.”

After the crisis, AHS was “not in good shape financially,” Laporte explained in an interview. She took over in 2022 and sees her mission as “building back, stabilizing the organization and creating an operating model that will pay for itself.” Her hope is that the endowment will generate investment income to supplement other revenues needed for their operating budget. 

“AHS hopes to grow the endowment to $10 million and welcomes donations,” said Laporte. Jane and George Diamantis, who live in Tennessee, have already donated $75,000 directly to the endowment, said Laporte. The gala, with 230 guests, raised $225,000.

At the event, Zech received the AHS Gold Medal award, the highest award for outstanding service to the Society. Zech also donated $1 million to AHS a few years ago. 

Laporte hopes the endowment will generate enough revenue to help AHS cover its expenses. Maintenance of the buildings and grounds cost around $1 million a year, she noted.

The River Farm property is open free to the public six days a week and often rented for weddings and other events. “We have 26 acres that have to be maintained and we are maintaining it because we want the public to enjoy it, but it is not a county park. It is a private, nonprofit,” Laporte said. The Society has public events like the spring garden market and holiday open house in December.

Virginia Electeds Came through Too

The Virginia legislature provided the American Horticultural Society a one-time $2 million grant for public access enhancements at River Farm, including restrooms and a trail compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, “to increase access to the property for everybody,” Laporte offered. She credits state Senators Scott Surovell and David Marsden and Delegates Paul Krizek and David Bulova with getting the General Assembly’s and governor’s support for the grant. 

Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck has also been “tremendously supportive” of River Farm, she said.

Revitalizing Staff

Part of Laporte’s strategy is hiring new staff. Daniel Vincent has come on as Director of Membership and Communications. Rochelle Greayer is the new editor of the Society’s magazine, the American Gardener. Citing the publication’s “science-based articles,” Laporte said that Greayer will “build on what David has done,” referring to David J. Ellis who will retire at the end of this year after 30 years with AHS and managing over 200 magazine issues.

“It’s a very exciting time at AHS between the improvements we are able to do, new staff and new programs we are rolling out. We are incredibly optimistic about the future of AHS,” Laporte commented.

Find Out More

River Farm, once George Washington’s northernmost farm of his five, is at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria 22308. Visit www.ahsgardening.org.