Old Westbury Gardens Hosted Sold-Out Inaugural Mary S. Phipps Luncheon for Education

New annual event honored Mary S. Phipps's legacy and supports educational initiatives

OLD WESTBURY, N.Y., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Old Westbury Gardens proudly hosted the inaugural Mary S. Phipps Luncheon for Education today, a new annual tradition celebrating the remarkable legacy of Mary S. Phipps and her lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, and public service. Chaired by Mary Beth Donohue, principal of Elmwood Design Interiors, and Sealy Hopkinson, President of the Board of Trustees of the Middendorf Foundation, the luncheon gathered supporters and friends in recognition of Mrs. Phipps's extraordinary impact and to raise funds for the continued growth of educational programs at Old Westbury Gardens.

Mrs. Phipps served as President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens from 1978 to 1994, and as Chairman of the Board from 1994 to 2012. She was known far and wide for her dedication to the highest standards in public gardens and her deep commitment to horticulture. A lifelong advocate for learning and community engagement, Mrs. Phipps was also a Girl Scout leader, inspiring young women to explore the natural world and take active roles in their communities.

In tribute to that legacy, the luncheon welcomed two special guest speakers: Noorain F. Khan, National President of Girl Scouts of the USA, and Karen Lundgard, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Greater New York, who reflected on Mrs. Phipps's enduring influence and the shared values of curiosity, stewardship, and service that unite the Girl Scouts and Old Westbury Gardens.

"Educational programming has become one of the most meaningful ways we connect with our community," said Maura Brush, President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens. "The inaugural Mary Phipps Luncheon was a beautiful reflection of that shared commitment — a testament to the many individuals who have supported and strengthened our efforts to make learning through nature, history, and design accessible to all."

This sold-out event was made possible through the generous support of many individual and family sponsors, as well as Americana Manhasset, The Ainslie Foundation, and The Bahnik Foundation, among others.

Proceeds from the Mary S. Phipps Luncheon for Education will directly support Old Westbury Gardens' educational initiatives, including school partnerships, and scouts, youth and family programs that engage thousands of learners each year.

About Old Westbury Gardens
Built in 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens is the former home of John S. Phipps; his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps, and their children. Today, as a not-for-profit organization, Old Westbury Gardens welcomes visitors of all ages for a wide range of historical, cultural, artistic, educational, horticultural events, and more. Old Westbury Gardens seeks to inspire appreciation of the early 20th century American country estate through faithful preservation and interpretation of its landscape, gardens, architecture and collections. Connect with us at: https://www.oldwestburygardens.org/, facebook.com/oldwestburygardens, twitter.com/oldwestburygard, Instagram.com/oldwestburygardens, https://www.linkedin.com/company/old-westbury-gardens

SOURCE Old Westbury Gardens