Entry: Charlie Feezel, World Cocoa Foundation

The U.S. Botanic Garden is nestled in the heart of the nation's Capitol Hill and it’s nearly as old as Washington, D.C. itself. Last night, February 12, we held a reception at this lovely conservatory entitled “Chocolate from the Rainforest”. That it happened during an ice storm made the event seem even more warm and cozy inside. Our guests were able to wander throughout the various climates from tropical to desert and could be seen having casual conversations among the palms or just enjoying the many fragrances in the orchids exhibit in the Garden Court. A few of our distinguished guests included Ambassadors Charles Koffi of Côte d’Ivoire and Sudjadnan Parnohidiningrat of Indonesia and Representative Donald Payne as well as Mr. Vic Leviste of the Embassy of the Philippines, Dr. Lyndel Meinhardt and Dr. Gary Samuels of USDA and Mr. Joe Kitts of USAID. We extend a warm “Thank you” to all of our members and partners who braved the icy night to enjoy this event.

Photo: Amb. Sudjadnan Parnohidiningrat of Indonesia received a cocoa tree after delivering opening remarks.