As members of the Jack Wikle Bonsai Legacy Fund Steering Committee, we would like to introduce you to the fund that has been created to provide for and celebrate the legacy of our dear friend Jack Wikle.
Most of you know Jack has been a vocal advocate for bonsai locally and nationally for over 50 years. And at the age of 92 he is still devoting much of his time to that same pursuit. He wants to guarantee the future of the bonsai courtyard at Hidden Lake Gardens (HLG) where he has been the curator for its entire history. He wants to make sure there will be someone to manage the collection going forward. And that is just like Jack, making sure that all of the trees that he has been entrusted with are taken care of.
The Bonsai Courtyard receives little operations funding directly through MSU. Since Harry Fee originally donated the property in 1945, every collection at HLG has been independently funded. The Elsie MacCready Memorial Bonsai Collection and Endowment began the funding of bonsai in 1987. More recently, seed funds were donated in honor of long-time bonsai volunteer Dr. Xenophon “Xen” Skufis, to help with the building of a new winter storage facility. We need your support to continue and complete our mission.
We, as a group, would like to see Jack’s wishes of long-term care happen, and additionally see Jack recognized for his 50-year contribution to the entire bonsai community.
We are looking for more like-minded people who would like to see that happen. You can help us in two ways:If you agree with us, then just send us an email about Jack and we will share it with him, and even publish it on our website. Send your comments to: JackWikleBonsaiLegacy@gmail.com
If you can support this fund monetarily, we would appreciate your contribution, because that is how we will all be able to make Jack’s vision a reality. The Lenawee Community Foundation (LCF) has partnered with us to empower charitable giving and help donors support causes they care about. The Jack Wikle Bonsai Legacy Fund is a component fund at the LCF and therefore is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. You may donate by credit/debit card, PayPal, or check.
If your life has been touched by Jack Wikle or enriched by bonsai at any level, we encourage you to participate in growing the Jack Wikle Bonsai Legacy Fund.
Review what we have accomplished together: 2023 Year in Review (2024 coming soon).
