Anita,
I think we are in agreement. I guess you said it better
. --Donating to an arboretum isn't as straightforward as it seems. There are some things to consider when doing so.
For what it's worth, the Nat. Arb will ask the owners of particularly nice trees if they're willing to donate a choice specimen. That request, however, (I have heard) comes in writing with some qualifications saying that the plant stays at the Arb. at the institution's discretion. They reserve the right to sell it off or give it to another place, at least from what I've heard. I definitely have no first hand experience with such a request, nor do I expect to have any
Alot of this, as you point out, depends greatly on the local bonsai resources. If there is no "bonsai community" around you, your job is alot tougher. Good luck with the club.