Get Involved

About the Campaign

Forever Balboa Park is leading a $10 million capital campaign for Phase 2 of the Botanical Building and Gardens, which will fund the design, planting and irrigation work in the exterior gardens; walkway upgrades; the reconstruction of the historic pergola; and restoration of the exterior fountains.

Forever Balboa Park’s campaign will also fund volunteer Garden Stewards to help maintain the gardens and public engagement programming for all ages.

For information on how you might support the campaign, call 619.331.1991 or email info@balboaparkbotanical.org.

Balboa Park - Child Smelling Flowers

Campaign Cabinet

Alongside Forever Balboa Park’s Board of Trustees, a cabinet of volunteer leaders is advancing the campaign for the revitalization of the Botanical Building and Gardens.

John Venekamp

John Venekamp

Campaign Cabinet Chair
Forever Balboa Park Trustee

Carol Chang

Volunteer Leader

Ray Ellis

Volunteer Leader

Joyce Gattas

Joyce Gattas

Forever Balboa Park Trustee

Jay Jeffcoat

Volunteer Leader

Doug Kerner

Doug Kerner

Chair, Forever Balboa Park Trustee

Connie Matsui

Connie Matsui

Immediate Past Chair
Forever Balboa Park Trustee

Allison Rossett

Allison Rossett

Forever Balboa Park Trustee

Elizabeth Babcock

Elizabeth C. Babcock, PhD

President & CEO
Forever Balboa Park

Ashley Carbonell

Database & Donor Relations Specialist
Forever Balboa Park

Jacqueline Higgins

VP of Planning
Forever Balboa Park
PLA, ASLA

Phillip Sammuli

VP of Institutional Advancement
Forever Balboa Park

Thank you so much to the community leaders below who are serving as ambassadors for the project and the campaign:

Ann Hill, Jerry Kleinsmith, and Jerry Michaud

Consider a Major Gift

Forever Balboa Park is currently in its major gifts phase of its Phase 2 capital campaign, raising private dollars for the Botanical Building and Gardens restoration. Funds raised by Forever Balboa Park go directly to building the Phase 2 exterior gardens and associated volunteer and educational programs. To receive information about making a gift and naming and recognition opportunities, please submit this interest form.

Support Forever Balboa Park’s Work

Forever Balboa Park, a private nonprofit organization, has as its mission to improve and advance Balbo Park so people and nature thrive together. Learn more about Forever Balboa Park and how your donation can make a direct impact in Balboa Park.

Sign Up for Project Updates

Progress is made each day on the revitalization of the Botanical Building and Gardens. Get quarterly insider and progress updates about the restoration, right to your inbox.

Volunteer as a Garden Steward

Garden Stewards provide ongoing garden maintenance alongside City of San Diego Parks and Recreation staff. Garden Stewards also greet and orient visitors, acquainting them with the park’s gardens. To learn how you can be a Garden Steward, click the button below.

Contact Us

Have more questions? Check out our FAQs or contact us with any questions. Email info@balboaparkbotanical.org or call 619.331.1991.