DINNER UNDER THE STARS
29TH ANNUAL DINNER UNDER THE STARS
Join us for the 29th annual Dinner Under the Stars on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Join leaders across agriculture, conservation, and policy sectors for an unforgettable evening of connection and impact at the U.S. National Arboretum. Set against the backdrop of the Capitol Columns, this open-air event features cocktails, a tented dinner, and opportunities to engage with key figures from industry, Capitol Hill, and the Administration.
This event is co-hosted by Martha Van Dale, COO of NASDA, Chandler Goule, CEO of National Association of Wheat Growers, and Anne MacMillan, Principal of Invariant GR.
TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS
Host your friends and colleagues or put together a table at the event. A limited number of tables and tickets are available for Dinner Under the Stars. Capitol Hill and Administration VIPs will be invited to this event. We look forward to working with you on seating.
Space is limited! To pledge your table sponsorship, contact us at dinner@fona.org. Sponsorships are tax deductible above $150 per person, in accordance with federal tax law. Tax-deductible regrets donations are always appreciated.
EVENT BENEFITS
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
*Based on a mutually agreed upon date and time. Blackout dates may occur.
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea): Official tree symbol of the District of Columbia. Beautiful native oak with gorgeous “scarlet” fall color. One of several species native to the National Arboretum and part of the National Oak Collection.
EVENT BENEFITS
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
*Based on a mutually agreed upon date and time. Blackout dates may occur.
Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides): Iconic example of the value of plant exploration and conservation. Has gone from living fossil to important landscape tree in a geological blink of an eye! Notable collection by the Gotelli Collection at the National Arboretum.
EVENT BENEFITS
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
*Based on a mutually agreed upon date and time. Blackout dates may occur.
American elm (Ulmus americana): National Arboretum scientists have been involved in elm breeding, genetics, taxonomy, and conservation for over seven decades, releasing dutch elm disease tolerant selections as well as novel hybrids.
EVENT BENEFITS
Lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana): A noble pine from northern China, long cultivated, and reintroduced to American horticulture by USDA plant explorer Frank N. Meyer, whose original collections now reside at the National Arboretum. Lacebark pine is featured at the Arboretum in the Introduction Garden and the Gotelli Collection.
EVENT BENEFITS
Flowering Cherry (Prunus spp.): Collectively, the USDA and USNA have championed the use of flowering cherries for over a century. Although dominated by Japanese selections, species and hybrids also originate from China, Korea, and Japan and, now, breeding programs in the U.S., like our very own.
EVENT BENEFITS
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus sp.): Flowering dogwoods comprise one of the earliest collections at the USNA dedicated to displaying the breadth and diversity of our native flowering dogwood (C. florida), its close relatives, and the shrubbier members of a highly ornamental genus.
EVENT BENEFITS
Tax-deductible donations are always appreciated.
2025 SPONSORS
Thank you to the following supporters for sponsoring the upcoming 29th annual Dinner Under the Stars. Pledge your support today to join this growing list of sponsors and to maximize your visibility. Sponsor list as of June 10, 2025
Flowering Cherry $5,000
Amy Titus
USA Rice
Flowering Dogwood $1,500
Conroy Landscape Architecture
Ralph Lopez and Linda Marks
MISSION IN ACTION
By attending Dinner Under the Stars, you are directly supporting FONA’s work at the U.S. National Arboretum. FONA ensures the Arboretum continues to thrive as a vital hub for horticultural research, environmental education, and community connection. For over 40 years, FONA has served as the Arboretum’s primary nonprofit partner and funds critical operations, youth education programs, and infrastructure improvements. We connect people to plants and science through public events, advocacy, strategic collaboration, and communications. Your partnership makes it all possible.
PAST DINNER UNDER THE STARS
Photos by Lissa Ryan Photography.
Photos by Plume Photography.
Photos by Plume Photography.
Photos by Plume Photography.
