Garden club holds Card Day fundraiser
Darlington’s Kalmia Garden Study Club
Photo by Samantha Lyles
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
Darlington’s Kalmia Garden Study Club convened their yearly Card Day fundraiser Aug. 4 in the meeting hall of First Presbyterian Church. Members engaged in spirited card games, enjoyed a buffet lunch, and crossed their fingers that their purchased raffle tickets would prove lucky. Donated prizes included original artwork and garden décor, gift certificates for local eateries and spas, and even some delectable fresh fruit.
Funds raised by this event support the club’s wide variety of beautification efforts, including maintenance of the rose garden adjacent to the City of Darlington administration building (formerly the Dargan House), the Psillos garden off North Main Street, and numerous seasonal events to promote gardening, tree planting, and the use of flora in art and decorating.
This year’s Card Day also provided members a chance to show their artistic talents by painting floral-themed art on reclaimed roof tiles from the Dargan House.
“All of the members came together and voted for one tile, which will be installed permanently into the city rose garden,” said club president Ronda Duke Brown.
Sarah Jaillette’s rendering of a purple iris won the popular vote, guaranteeing that regardless of the weather one lovely bloom will favor the garden year-round.
Brown hailed the hard work of Card Day organizers Laura Burns and Diane Langston, and thanked all those who stand with the Kalmia Garden Study Club in their mission to enhance our city’s natural beauty.
“We want to thank the community of Darlington that came together for this event and supported all of our functions in the past, and we look forward to having this event next year,” said Brown.
