Explore Marin Gardens to Support a Worthy Cause – Marin Independent Journal

The MarinHealth Raccoons are gearing up for their annual garden tour, set to take place on Tuesday. This event promises a day filled with glamorous views, gorgeous gardens, wine, alfresco lunch, and a chance to win prizes valued at $1,200 and up. The Raccoons, a group of volunteers supporting MarinHealth, have been raising funds for patient programs, staff education, and medical facilities for over 60 years.

This year, the group’s Spring has Sprung Garden Tour will help fund the opening of an adolescent behavioral health clinic at the UCSF MarinHealth campus in Greenbrae. This clinic aims to provide essential support for mental wellness to Marin County adolescents in a accessible and affordable manner.

The highlight of the event is a self-guided tour of six private Belvedere Island gardens, all located within walking distance of each other on a flat road. The tour will start from the San Francisco Yacht Club and will feature local plein air painters, master gardeners, and plant lists for each garden. One of the gardens is located on the original site of the Belvedere Golf & Country Club, with historic significance discussed by a representative from the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society.

Film enthusiasts will recognize the second garden as the setting for the party scene in the Academy Award-winning movie “Blue Jasmine,” starring Cate Blanchett. Each garden on the tour offers a unique experience, from colorful roses and hydrangeas to sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.

In addition to the garden tour, the Raccoons offer a range of parties and experiences for attendees to enjoy. Tickets range from $100 to $150 per person, with options for sunset cruises, bocce ball happy hours, wine tastings, and more. The raffle includes prizes such as private tours, sunset bay cruises, luxury packages, and gift cards to local restaurants.

Even those without tour tickets are welcome to shop at the pop-up boutique at the San Francisco Yacht Club, featuring vendors like Trina Turk, Ground, and Kathy Kamei Designs. The event promises a day of fun, relaxation, and support for a good cause.

For those planning to attend the garden tour, parking is available at the San Francisco Yacht Club, and tickets can be purchased online in advance. Shuttles will transport patrons to the gardens, with the last shuttle returning to the yacht club at 2 p.m. The tour is expected to take approximately two hours, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Overall, the MarinHealth Raccoons’ garden tour offers a unique opportunity to explore beautiful gardens, support a worthy cause, and enjoy a day of relaxation and entertainment. Don’t miss out on this exciting event happening on Tuesday.