The Friends of the National Arboretum held the annual Cookout Under the Stars on Tuesday, bringing together people from business, government and the community to support the gardens and programs at the Arboretum.
The evening began with a cocktail reception in the National Herb Garden followed by an elegant dinner in the National Capitol Columns Meadow. The dinner, which celebrates a different state each year, honored Missouri with regional favorites that included chicken fried steak, corn soufflé and barbequed beef brisket.
The Friends of the National Arboretum is a non-profit organization that provides funding for arboretum projects to increase awareness and enjoyment of the gardens and collections, advance scientific research, and promote educational and public services. IDFA hosted a table that included Representative Tom Petri (R-WI), who represents many IDFA members in his district.
(L to R): Kyle Shreve, IDFA manager of legislative affairs; Dave Carlin, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy; Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) and his wife, Anne Neal Petri; and Chelsee Woodey, IDFA director of legislative affairs.