Humboldt Botanical Garden Legacy Circle Planting Seeds for the Future

Jim Sessa welcomes Humboldt Botanical Garden’s Legacy Circle and its founding members.

Humboldt Botanical Garden is planting seeds for the future with the launch of its Legacy Circle. A dozen founding members are investing in the future growth of the Garden by each pledging a gift to the nonprofit through their will, trust or other estate plans.

The Garden was founded in 1991, by a group of volunteers whose vision was to create a world-class botanical garden for outdoor recreation, conservation and learning.

Since its beginning, the Garden has grown into a unique 44.5-acre site south of Eureka, with ten separate gardens, a greenhouse and an outdoor event space—with more to come! The Garden is cared for by its nonprofit board, a small staff, and a cadre of more than 200 volunteers and 1,700 members, made up of individuals, families, students, area businesses and educational partners.

“Throughout the year we fundraise for operating and program expenses,” said. Board President Evelyn Giddings. “The creation of our Legacy Circle is a next step in our planning for the future sustainability and growth of the Garden,” Giddings said.

The Legacy Circle’s recent launch was celebrated at the home of Jim and Julie Sessa, two of its founding members. Jim Sessa, President and CEO of Coast Central Credit Union, has served as a volunteer on the Garden’s board of directors since 2001.

“In my role, I understand the Garden’s significant economic impact,” Sessa remarked, welcoming the gathering. “Every year, the Garden draws a large number of visitors—both local residents and tourists—who shop in our stores and stay in our hotels.”

“But beyond its economic benefits,” Sessa continued, “the Garden is a green and peaceful sanctuary. It offers a place of respite, beauty, and serves as an increasingly vital center for education and conservation.”

“I want others to know what a treasure the Garden is now and in the future of our community,” said Board Member Bob Crane.

“It has inspired Sue and me to give and, we hope, encourage you to join us,” Crane said. Along with his wife Sue, Bob Crane founded C.Crane, a Fortuna-based company of internationally marketed radio and audio products. Bob joined the Garden’s board this year and with his wife became legacy donors.

Evelyn Giddings, who with her husband David Lemm are in the Legacy Circle, told the group to spread the word that making a legacy gift is not just for those with wealth.

“Anyone who has an individual retirement account through their job or has other assets—no matter how big or small—can make the Garden a beneficiary of a future gift and join our Legacy Circle,” Giddings said.

“A bequest may be of any size. It can provide immediate tax benefits now while ensuring the Garden can be around for generations to come,” said Legacy Circle member Tim Walsh, a retired certified financial planner and board member of the American Rhododendron Society, with members worldwide. Tim, along with his wife June, also co-curate one of the Garden’s ten separate gardens.

Anyone interested in learning more about Humboldt Botanical Garden and its Legacy Circle can call Evelyn Giddings at (707) 834-6146.