Newton Arboretum Hosts Dessert Auction Fundraiser

Proceeds will go towards new flooring for the Krumm Center at the botanical gardens.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of an assortment of baked goods and desserts on a table, with a warm, hazy glow surrounding the scene, conceptually representing the cozy, community-driven atmosphere of a local fundraiser.The Newton Arboretum's dessert auction fundraiser will bring the community together to support the beloved botanical gardens through the sale of homemade baked goods.Newton Today

The Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is hosting a dessert auction fundraiser on Thursday at the Alta House Event Center in Newton. The event, titled 'Floor Some Sugar on Me,' will raise money to replace the 30-year-old flooring in the Arboretum's Krumm Center. The fundraiser will feature baked goods donated by local bakers and a special appearance by Nash Roe of Iowa's Food Diary.

Why it matters

The Newton Arboretum is a beloved community resource that provides educational programs and maintains beautiful gardens. Updating the aging infrastructure will help ensure the Arboretum can continue serving residents for years to come.

The details

The dessert auction fundraiser will be held at the Alta House Event Center in Newton. There is no admission fee, but RSVPs are requested. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the auction will begin at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the auction of donated baked goods will go towards the purchase and installation of new flooring in the Arboretum's Krumm Center.

  • The dessert auction fundraiser will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2026.
  • Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the auction will start at 6 p.m.

The players

Ina Heidemann

Vice-President of the Board of Directors for the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Nash Roe

Host of Iowa's Food Diary, who will make a special appearance at the event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's the same carpet that's been here for thirty-years, and all the stains we can't get out are all here from thirty-years of use. So we want to get new flooring in here.”

— Ina Heidemann, Vice-President of the Board of Directors

“Alta House offered to have this fundraiser for us. We solicited many, many bakers in the area, and they are going to have all these beautiful baked-goods for auction.”

— Ina Heidemann, Vice-President of the Board of Directors

What’s next

The Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens plans to use the funds raised from the dessert auction to purchase and install new flooring in the Krumm Center.

The takeaway

The Newton Arboretum's dessert auction fundraiser demonstrates the community's commitment to maintaining and improving this beloved local resource. By coming together to support the Arboretum, residents can ensure it continues to thrive and serve as an educational and recreational hub for years to come.