UT Gardens Gala, hosted by UT President Randy Boyd and wife Jenny, will hold the ninth annual fundraising event to benefit the academic and educational programs of UT Gardens. The event includes social hour, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and silent auction starting at 5:30 p.m. with a 7:15 p.m. plated dinner. The program and live auction will begin at 8:30 p.m. The gala takes place at the UT Gardens Friendship Plaza and features WBIR Channel 10 anchor Leslie Ackerson and auctioneer Bear Stephenson. The event also will honor UT alumnus Dick Ott for his contributions to the field of interior plantscaping and support of the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee. Attire is evening casual.