The magic of Winter Wonders Walk is made possible by the generous support of an exclusive group of sponsors.
Our first featured sponsor this year for our eighth annual Winter Wonders Walk is the AEP Ohio Foundation! The AEP Ohio Foundation, “focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and by providing support to help meet basic needs, such as emergency shelter, affordable housing and eliminating hunger.”
Director of Customer Experience, Julia C Ivinskas, said the aid the partnership with The Dawes Arboretum was a perfect match since AEP Ohio Foundation seeks out opportunities that align with what their customers want to support. AEP Ohio Foundation takes a diverse approach to its philanthropic giving so it can promote different causes - and Dawes was a perfect fit!
Julia took a tour of The Arboretum on a rainy day last year with Executive Director Stephanie Crockatt and Director of Development Matt Riddle. She said that she loved the grounds and is excited to see us enhance it as we head toward breaking ground on a new Welcome Center in early summer of 2026.
Just like Dawes, the AEP Ohio Foundation has information online about planning before you plant! Check it out here.
Our second featured sponsor this year for our eighth annual Winter Wonders Walk is The Energy Cooperative! The Energy Cooperative has been supporting Dawes for many years.
The Energy Cooperative supports local organizations, like The Arboretum, through community sponsorships. The sponsorships focus on supporting organizations, non-profits and schools that align with The Energy Cooperative’s values and are located in their electric, natural gas and propane service territories. They look for organizations that have a clear purpose, a solid plan for how the sponsorship will be used and a track record of delivering results. It’s important that the organizations can help The Energy Cooperative connect with families, youth and local communities – so they knew that The Arboretum was the perfect fit!
“The Energy Cooperative is proud to sponsor the Winter Wonders Walk,” said Natasha Short, Marketing and Communications Manager. “It is an event enjoyed by many of our members and powered by electricity throughout The Arboretum. Winter Wonders Walk creates memorable experiences for visitors of all ages while supporting educational and community-focused initiatives in a unique outdoor setting.”
Our final featured sponsor for our eighth annual Winter Wonders Walk is Insperity! Insperity has been supporting Dawes for eight years and is helping inspire festive creativity by sponsoring the arts and crafts activity inside our Visitor Center.
Insperity’s grant and event sponsorship programs provide, ‘vital resources to eligible nonprofits, fueling their missions and expanding their reach.’ Courtney Keeney, Insperity’s Client Liaison of Operation Services, said that Insperity believes in The Arboretum’s mission, and that their continued support of this event is all about giving back to its communities in more ways than HR support.
Come out and enjoy crafts sponsored by Insperity on every night of Winter Wonders Walk! On Members-Only night, create your own Snowy Tree decoration and a sparkling icicle ornament. On every other night, join us to design your own paper snowflake ornament to take home.
Thank you so much to all of our Winter Wonders Walk sponsors. They help us create magical nights of wonder, discovery and joy that we can’t wait to share with you again this year! To learn more about the event and how to buy tickets, please visit here.