11/09/2026
🎄A Special Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsors!
The Friends of the Coastal Gardens are thrilled to recognize Pat and Howard Hackney as the Presenting Sponsors of the 2026 December Nights & Holiday Lights at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens!
Pat's connection to the Gardens goes all the way back to the formation of the Friends organization. While serving as Chatham County's Extension Home Economist, she established the Friends group after the USDA transferred the property to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. Pat has been instrumental in encouraging others to get involved, growing membership, supporting educational programs, and building a community of people dedicated to the Gardens' success for many years.
Her commitment to the Gardens is just one part of a lifetime of service to the Savannah community. Earlier this year, Pat was honored by Senior Citizens, Inc., with its prestigious Legends, Leaders, and Life Well Lived Award, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to our community. Following the honor, Rep. Buddy Carter formally celebrated Hackney's achievements on the house floor, calling her a "true gem of Savannah" and acknowledging her decades of quiet, impactful leadership.
Howard has also shared his talents with the Gardens as an accomplished photographer. Over the years, he has photographed and documented numerous locations and events throughout the property, capturing the Gardens' beauty and history. His photography is displayed in the Andrews Center and is also part of the private collections of many Garden supporters.
Their generosity means so much, especially as we launch our very first year of Holiday Lights sponsorships. Best of all, sponsorship funds will support projects and improvements throughout the Gardens in 2027.
Please join us in thanking Pat and Howard for their continued dedication to making the Gardens such a special place!