The Endowment Ceremony in 2008

A Very Special Gift from a Very Special Man

Bobby G. Wilder is one of those remarkable people who has been actively involved with the JC Raulston Arboretum since J. C. Raulston first thought of creating an arboretum 30+ years ago.  He continues to be one of the Arboretum's most dedicated volunteers and donors, spending his time and resources to support the JCRA.  Included in the areas that Bobby has sponsored: a JCRA student intern for the last several years; he and his company, Century Framing, have been a Gala in the Garden silver sponsor for many, many years; and he has been a sponsor for Celebrate North Carolina Wines.

Bobby has generously made planned gifts – charitable gift annuities -- to benefit the Arboretum. As part of his gifts, Bobby has designated that two endowments be created to support the JCRA student internship program.  One will be called the Jack R. Lamm JCRA Internship Endowment, in memory of his life partner and dear friend of 43 years, and the other named the Bobby G. Wilder JCRA Internship Endowment. The second part of his gifts has created the Bobby G. Wilder and Jack R. Lamm Horticultural Scholarship Endowment. 

These endowments will ensure long-term support for the JCRA, as well as making a significant impact on the lives of the students that they will support. 

From his many hours of volunteer service, years of financial commitment, and, now, these very generous planned gifts, Bobby is truly one of the Arboretum's most treasured friends. In recognition of his incredible support, the Trustees of North Carolina State University approved our naming the Visitor Center in Bobby's honor.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to his scholarship endowment via our secure online website just click here.