I was recently invited to attend an event hosted by the UT Alliance of Women Philanthropists at the UT Gardens in Knoxville. I did not know who else would be attending, or what to expect, but having had the opportunity to explore the Jackson gardens, I was eager to check out the Knoxville location as a fan of horticulture. Reflecting on the event, it was a great example of the unexpected and exponential benefits of saying yes. 

After a lovely reception in the McIlwaine Friendship Pavilion, with opening remarks from Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) Keith Carver, guests were led on a guided tour by managing director James Newburn. James enthusiastically shared the latest research projects underway, like wind-resistant hibiscus and the overall importance of the gardens as a living lab for students and faculty. 

I most appreciated learning about the Kitchen Garden—a .25-acre, edible plant collection showcasing sustainably raised seasonal vegetables, herbs, small fruits and cut flowers. From the landscaping to the sculptural designs throughout, the gardens are not only aesthetically beautiful but also thoughtfully designed to allow accessibility to gardeners and visitors of all ages and abilities, for example, raised beds of varying heights for volunteers with limited mobility.

 Best of all, the produce harvested is donated to area food banks in partnership with local charitable organizations. The event was a great reminder that our colleagues across UT are engaging in interesting and impactful projects benefiting our communities in unexpected ways, like helping our food-insecure neighbors access healthy, locally grown food. 

By saying yes to attending this event, I benefitted from learning a bunch of cool stuff going on across UT that I likely would not have otherwise heard about, as well as insights to ways other UT areas cultivate and steward relationships with their top donors – vital information for anyone in the development field. I gained new awareness of the ways UT initiatives are impacting our communities, but most importantly, I formed new connections with colleagues at UTIA and the UT Gardens which have the potential to benefit IPS donors in the future. All made possible by saying yes!