$2.5 Million Donation Preserves White House Kitchen Garden

First Lady Michelle Obama embraces President Barack Obama as he surprises her during the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest. President chats with kids in the garden. Click on image for larger file.

The White House Kitchen Garden will be maintained and preserved into the future thanks to The Burpee Foundation And The W. Atlee Burpee Company Partnering With The National Park Foundation

Remarks by the First Lady at the White House Kitchen Garden Dedication

Oct 5, 2016
(Must read. Mike)

Excerpt from transcript:

MRS. OBAMA: Hello everyone, I am so — I’m beyond thrilled. I’m probably as emotional as everybody sitting in this garden to be here with you today as we officially dedicate our White House Kitchen Garden.

People look at my daughters, and they see how time has flown by. And then I look at Tammy. And I remember Tammy to the day because she — her face is the same, but you did absolutely grow. (Laughter.) And you’ve matured is what you’ve done. You have grown into such a poised, gracious young lady. And I know your mother is proud. It’s just been a complete honor to have you by my side on this project. So, Tammy, thank you. (Applause.)

Oh, my goodness. I also want to say a few huge thank yous to a few more people — to the folks from the Burpee Foundation and the W. Atlee Burpee Company for their generous support of the National Park Foundation to preserve this garden for the future. And I want to recognize the Whole Kids Foundation for making this day possible. And what a beautiful day it is. This has been the garden’s luck, right? It rained all week and we were on pins and needles that we’d have to do this inside. And this is a perfect day — a perfect day.

And of course, I want to thank all the students and the faculty at the University of Virginia School of Architecture who did such an incredible job in designing the magnificent new arbor, as well as the gathering area, the table, the benches that we’re unveiling here today. This is my first time seeing it. I was in the garden last week, and everything was being dug up. I’ve only seen pictures. But this, you all, is amazing. It is really amazing — the representation, the work, the fact that you guys are homegrown students in this area, it really just warms my heart. You should be incredibly proud of the work you’ve done.

And thanks to Roger Sherry for his craftsmanship in building all of this. He’s done a phenomenal job, and I just got to meet him today. It’s amazing. It’s amazing what you’ve done. It’s beautiful. It’s beyond anything I could have imagined. So thank you, Roger. (Applause.)

Complete transcript here.

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