Garden Gala: Celebrating 15 Years of UGArden

Join UGArden at Garden Gala!

June 7, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Flinchum’s Pheonix

Please join us as we celebrate UGArden’s 15th anniversary with an unforgettable farm-to-table dinner! 5 of Athens’ best local chefs are collaborating to create a gourmet meal featuring fresh ingredients grown at UGArden. Enjoy live music from local duo MrJordanMrTonks, and round out the evening with a tea service highlighting teas from the UGArden Herbs product line.

Proceeds will go towards fully funding the Friends of UGArden Endowment, a vital resource that will empower UGArden to keep cultivating crops and community for years to come. We need your help to ensure funding for our student worker stipends, upgraded farm equipment, and expanded programming.

Featuring Live Music From MrJordanMrTonks

MrJordanMrTonks is a collaboration between longtime Athens musicians, Tommy Jordan on acoustic guitar and banjo and William Tonks on dobro and electric guitar.  Individually, they could play with anyone, anywhere.  Together, the effortless blend of their wide range of musical experiences and styles results in a synergy that always leaves listeners wanting more.  Their performances reveal a joyful and relaxed musical relationship between two exceptional musicians.  Flagpole Magazine calls them “two of Athens favorite pickers” (11/30/2011).  MrJordanMrTonks self-titled six-song CD was officially released in March, 2013.  Their most recent CD, Troubles, was released in late-2019 – just in time for the pandemic. 

Chef Gregory Zock

Gregory Zock is a scientist by training and a chef by passion. He has spent many years in Athens kitchens, including a notable tenure as Head Chef at the beloved Heirloom Café. Known for his commitment to local foods, Greg blends culinary creativity with a scientific mindset, finding inventive ways to reduce food waste and crafting delicious dishes from unexpected ingredients. He has also served as the head chef for the University of Georgia’s Interdisciplinary Field Program, preparing gourmet meals in some of America’s most beautiful landscapes, an experience that uniquely prepared him to design memorable menus for farm dinners.

Chef Andie Bisceglia

Andie Bisceglia works for the UGA Office of Service-Learning as the program coordinator for Campus Kitchen, a student-run program that works to reduce food waste and food insecurity in the Athens community. She has taught environmental and food systems education in the forest, on the farm, and in the garden for over fifteen years, including many years at UGArden.

Chef Marcos Muñoz

Marcos Muñoz grew up in Los Angeles, constantly in the kitchen with his mother. Knowing early on that he wanted to pursue a career in baking and pastry, he moved to New York City after attending culinary school. He worked for renowned bakeries and restaurants including Dominique Ansel Bakery, Great Northern Food Hall, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Now, he’s excited to be a part of the Independent Baking Co. family and the growing community of Athens.

Chef India Barfield

India Barfield is the Executive Chef and Sustainability Coordinator for Dining Services at the University of Georgia, where she has been an integral part of the team for the past 10 years. A Georgia native, India’s culinary approach is rooted in simplicity, health, and Southern flavors. Since 2017, she has competed in national culinary competitions, showcasing her skills and passion for creative, yet wholesome cuisine. With a focus on sustainability, India blends her expertise in cooking with her commitment to promoting environmentally conscious dining practices.

Chef John Huff

John Huff is a seasoned chef with over 20 years of experience in the food industry. Currently working with the Georgia Department of Education’s School Nutrition Division as a culinary specialist, John plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and nutrition of meals served in schools across the state. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, he has a deep-rooted passion for both the culinary arts and fighting food insecurity. Residing in Winder, Georgia, John is married and a proud father of three. His dedication to improving access to healthy food drives much of his work, making a lasting impact in his community and beyond.

Become a Garden Gala Sponsor

Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Please contact ugarden@uga.edu to learn more. Benefits include complimentary event tickets, promotion on our social media channels, and much more. Your support helps us grow!

View Our Sponsorship Deck