The Young Friends Council is a group of diverse young professionals with an interest in the Missouri Botanical Garden’s work and mission. The Council organizes fundraising and audience development events throughout the year including Trivia Night, Garden Gallop, and Fest-of-Ale.
The Young Friends Council will not be accepting new members in 2025. We are taking a pause to improve the structure of the current council. Please check back in spring of 2026 to apply.
In the meantime, please join us for a Young Friends event or consider volunteering with the Garden in another capacity.
Learn more about Garden volunteer opportunities
Sign up for the Young Friends email list
Fundraising Impact
The Young Friends Council fundraising efforts support the Garden’s Outdoor Youth Corps, an education and workforce development program that provides paid opportunities for youth ages 16 to 24 in environmental, conservation, and horticultural fields.
Young Friends Council Officers
Council Chair
2024–2025: Doug Gaehle
Council Co-Chair
2024–2025: Matthew Hutchinson
Young Friends Council Members
| Megan Ahlering |
Tina Liu |
| Jack Arnold |
Andy Martin |
| Sam Brady |
Jennie Meresak |
| Jamie Brown |
Jennifer Merritt |
| Katie Littlefield Castelino |
Elisa Morales |
| Sandy Chesterton |
Jessica Nelson |
| Jessy Chisholm |
Emma Prince |
| Terrence Cotton |
Elise Puma |
| Kat Dockery |
Gabi Randall |
| Madeline DuCharme |
Brittany Root |
| Mary Foley |
Han Sauer |
| Thomas Fonseca |
Glee Schmitt |
| Claire Hofius MacDonald |
Alex Seay |
| Emily Hood |
Brenna Doyle Slavens |
| Alzana Jakupovic |
Kate Tichelkamp |
| Erin Jones |
Mary Tiernan |
| Jake King |
Jessica Valdes |
| Constance Lambdin |
Adam Vorel |
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For more information about the Young Friends Council, email young_friends@mobot.org or call (314) 577-5173.
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