| [ comment ] | [ email article ] | [ print article ] | [ rss feed ] |
The Morton Arboretum’s annual dinner party entertains and supports a green cause.
A gala inspired by high society Victorian gardens fused with a modern twist occurs among one of the world’s most renowned tree collections during “One Enchanted Evening” at The Morton Arboretum, 6:30 p.m. on May 21, 2011.
“The planting and protecting of trees is extremely important in today’s society,” says chair Mary Ann Anderson of Lisle. “Guests can attend a cultured party at the exquisite Arboretum and demonstrate their support for vital tree conservation work.”
Guests will be greeted with rich greenery and large, fern and ivy flowing urns. Tall statuaries and balustrades reflect aristocratic designs found in elegant gardens during Queen Victoria’s reign. The evening will also feature jazz music and hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour. Décor by HMR Design Group of Chicago.
Attendees will indulge in Victorian sweets and savories as they enter the Ginkgo Room, which has a floor-to-ceiling-window view of Meadow Lake. The main course will be seared tenderloin of beef, poached salmon filet, and carved, glazed game bird. Strawberries sabayon and chocolate-dipped Madeleine will be presented for dessert. An assortment of fruit pectins, and chocolate-covered fruits and nuts offer the perfect companion to coffee or tea. Catering by Calihan Catering of Chicago. Wine provided by Wente Family Estates, the featured wine of the Arboretum.
A drawing for prizes will be held that evening. Participants could win: A Wente Vineyards California Getaway, a catered Arboretum dinner, a professional photography session, and a centrally-located Arboretum tribute tree.
The Vineyard Getaway includes an exclusive 4-adult, 2-night trip to Wente Family Estates, one of California’s premier wine-country destinations. The winner will spend 2 days wine tasting, fine dining, and enjoying a luxurious vineyard cottage stay.
The catered-dinner prize recipient will receive a private, 10-guest meal at the Arboretum. Dinner will be followed by a behind-the-scenes tour and home-landscape visit from an Arboretum horticulture expert.
All “One Enchanted Evening” proceeds support the Arboretum’s mission to plant and protect endangered trees. Ten percent of all tree species are threatened with extinction, and 1,000 are considered critically endangered. Magnolia officinalis – magnolia, Abies koreana – Korean fir, and Ginkgo biloba – ginkgo are just a few examples. Nearly 100 different kinds of plants at The Morton Arboretum are considered threatened or endangered on state, federal, or world lists.
Tickets to “One Enchanted Evening” are $350 each, or $3,500 for a table of ten. Sponsorship opportunities are available at $5,000, and $10,000 per table of ten. Phone for reservations to 630-719-7976 or hwehrle@mortonarb.org.
Stephen and Mary Ann Anderson of Lisle will chair this year’s dinner party. Arboretum Trustee Bob Reum and his wife Sherry of Wayne will co-chair the event.
| SHARE ON... |  digg |
 facebook |
 reddit |
 del.icio.us |
