Donors
Denise Barnes considers The Huntington a gem. Her husband is partial to the Art Museum, while her son loves the Herb Garden. Daughter Caroline (pictured) has many favorites but is particularly fascinated with the waterfalls and bridges in the Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden.
“Members of the Society of Fellows are among the most devoted and engaged members of The Huntington community,” says Pamela Hearn, director of the Society of Fellows. This premier group of philanthropists generates essential support for maintaining the library, art, and botanical collections.
Jay T. Last was as committed to the arts and humanities as he was to science and technology. His dedication to the latter led him to become one of the fathers of Silicon Valley and the founder of the pioneering company Fairchild Semiconductor, which paved the way for the tech industry as we know it today.
Li Wei Yang, The Huntington’s curator of Pacific Rim collections, remembers being astounded by the historical materials amassed and organized by Leslee See Leong, who had invited him to her home to view her family’s papers.
The Rose Garden Tea Room has a special place in the hearts of countless Huntington visitors, who relish memories of celebrations there or the simple joy of capping a visit to the grounds with the tradition of English tea service. The beloved destination—built in 1911 and which originally served as Henry E. Huntington’s billiard room and bowling alley—recently underwent a major renovation.
When Austin Kim, a Pomona College student studying linguistics, agreed to participate in The Huntington’s Fiber Arts Month, he was looking forward to meeting other fiber artists.
DeShawn Wynn has been an Affiliate Member since 2019. Amid her fast-paced and busy schedule as the founder and owner of her event management company, DeShawn finds much needed moments of Zen at The Huntington.
Jasmin and Eric Levander discuss their love of The Huntington's awe-inspiring gardens, collections, and programs, and how the institution’s mission aligns with their values.
An award-winning Cymbidium Pauwelsiii ‘Kessander’ orchid spanning 7 feet in diameter and 8 feet in height when in bloom, now proudly sits in The Huntington’s orchid collections, thanks to a generous donation from Jerry Kessler and Susan Anderson.
For long-standing member Andrew Schmoller, the restoration of the grand Huntington flagpole was the perfect opportunity to show his support for The Huntington.
Mercy and Howard Steenwyk visit The Huntington weekly with their 2-year-old granddaughter, Liberty.
After more than four decades at The Huntington—first as a security officer and then, after retirement, as a volunteer—Ron Wardwell made the generous decision to include The Huntington in his estate plans.
For Amanda, who was deeply engaged in Los Angeles’ response to the pandemic, visiting the gardens reminded her that life outside her work and the pandemic still existed.
Ron, who can be seen pruning roses on Thursdays in the Rose Garden, has been a Huntington volunteer for more than 12 years. Barbara often accompanies Ron in the mornings when he’s volunteering.
Sisters Shirley and Juanda Scoggins have been Supporting Members since 2017 and share what they find special about The Huntington.
Claire and Brian Goldsmith share what they find special about The Huntington after they joined in 2021 as Patron Members.
Sarah and PJ Joshi have been Supporting Members since 2009 and share what they find special about The Huntington.
On May 20, 2021, Successor donors had an opportunity to view the newly updated Successors Donor Wall and stroll the gardens after hours.
Alma and Mark Banuelos discuss their love of the institution's awe-inspiring collections, programs, and gardens and how The Huntington’s mission aligns with their values.
After 50 years of collecting, Dr. W. Bruce Fye has donated his cardiology library of more than 2,700 books and rich collection of scarce secondary literature on the history of cardiology to The Huntington.
Joy and Matthew Lin, longtime residents of San Marino, provided a gift of $3 million for the Flowery Brush Studio, a complex of two buildings for the display of Chinese art.
Local philanthropists and Huntington neighbors Terri and Jerry Kohl provide a generous gift of $2 million for the Rose Garden Tea Room renovation project.
Accommodations for nursing mothers and caregivers made possible by generous funding from Ricki and Joel Robinson, members of the Society of Fellows.
A new rose hybrid was given its name by donor Toshie Mosher, who purchased the naming rights through a generous donation to The Huntington's "Sharing the Love" fundraising campaign.
Longtime member Tony Cookson tells of his unforgettable Huntington memories and what inspires him to donate.
For Barbara Motin, it was a guest pass that opened her eyes and heart to The Huntington.
Frank and Toshie Mosher create an endowment to enhance cultural programming in the Japanese Garden.
In December 2013, The Huntington acquired an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts by Evelyn Waugh (1903–1966).
Sisters Sonia and Monica Narang both travel the world for their careers, but they consider The Huntington their "home away from home."
A $2 million gift from June and Simon Li of Pasadena will make possible the Star Gazing Tower, a new pavilion perched atop a ridge along the southwest side of the garden.
Longtime member Todd Rugee recounts how his childhood visits to The Huntington with his “Grammy” fostered a lifelong love of the institution and even set him on his career path.
Longtime members Stan Shayer and Jeffrey Romano discuss their love of the institution’s awe-inspiring collections, programs, and gardens, and how their values align with the institution’s mission.
More than two decades ago, Mark Chen was introduced to Jim Folsom, the Marge and Sherm Telleen/Marion and Earle Jorgensen Director of the Botanical Gardens. Since that meeting, a friendship has bloomed—and a garden has been built.
This spring, The Huntington acquired the papers of Gilbert, Florence, and Leslee See Leong, members of two of the earliest and most prominent Chinese American families in Los Angeles: the Leong and See families.
Sherm and Marge Telleen honors Jim Folsom’s years of service and many accomplishments by providing a generous gift.
The Huntington formally dedicated the Frances Lasker Brody Botanical Center in October 2009.
Erika and Ken Riley share a special interest in medieval history.