In response to your editorial regarding the Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights, we would like to clarify that direct costs of the event are paid by the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society who produces the event with the help of more than 200 volunteers each year.

The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society Board made changes this year to maintain the quality and safety of the Garden d’Lights experience for visitors. Over the past 16 years, the event has grown in attendance and expense to the society.

The reservation fees will not go to fund general city programs. All funds received will go directly to the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society to offset the cost of providing Garden d’Lights and to support the cost of other programs at the Garden.

Robin Haaseth, Public Information Officer, Bellevue Parks & Community Services