JUNIOR LEAGUE NEWS RELEASE
Over the past 30 years, the Junior League of Reno has owned and operated Arlington Gardens Mall and Country Garden Restaurant, which has served as a primary fundraising entity for the organization. However, on Friday, Dec. 21, the property sold to a local buyer. The property, gifted to the Junior League of Reno from Dorothy Philips Benson, will soon become a piece of history for the local non-profit as the sale marks an exciting new shift in its fundraising strategy.
The Country Garden Restaurant will be open to the public until Saturday, Jan. 19, and Arlington Gardens Mall will remain open under management of the new owner. A commemorative celebration will be held on Friday, Jan. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Country Garden Restaurant. To purchase tickets, contact Junior League of Reno at 775-826-0445.
“The Junior League of Reno was established to develop opportunities for women and children in our community and with the sale of the mall and restaurant, we have a tremendous opportunity to solely focus on these initiatives,” Kristine Richter, president of Junior League of Reno. “This was a significant decision for our entire membership and something we put a lot of thought into as we looked strategically at the impact we want to make in the community over the next five years and beyond. The direction we are taking will allow our organization to grow and expand volunteer and fundraising efforts focused on community projects aligned with our mission.”
Since 1980, Arlington Gardens has been a local favorite for boutique shopping and dining at the Country Garden Restaurant. Formerly owned by the Phillips Ranch Estate and Dorothy Phillips Benson, the quaint country-inspired property is home to an eclectic array of merchants that continue to remain open under the new property managers.
With the sale of Arlington Gardens Mall and closing of the Country Garden Restaurant, the Junior League of Reno will relocate to a new office space and continue its mission of creating opportunities for women and children. “Although we are closing this chapter of our history, we are very excited for the future. We have a responsibility to develop the potential of women and children in our community and it’s more important than ever for us to make this the one priority we focus on,” said Richter.
For more information about Junior League of Reno and to become a member, visit www.jlreno.org.
About Junior League of Reno
Founded in 1978, the Junior League of Reno, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization, has a rich history of community involvement. Membership comprises a diverse group of female volunteers committed to building a better community through education, advocacy and volunteerism. Members are directly involved in local community projects intended to positively impact women and children. Current projects include the Dick Taylor Universally Accessible Park, Nevada Discovery Museum, Kids in the Kitchen and Kids on the Block. The League also supports local non-profit organizations through grants and service projects including the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, the Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra and the Reno Family Shelter. For more information about Junior League of Reno, visit www.jlreno.org.
