Elegant Evening at Blithewold Raises $130,000
Published on Friday, September 03, 2010
For Immediate Release:
Bristol, RI – On Saturday, August 14, 2010 Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum celebrated its rare and unusual collection of woody plants and specimen trees at a fundraising gala entitled "Arboreta-A Fashionable Evening Under the Trees". Karen Binder, Executive Director of Blithewold, stated, "The gala’s co-chairs, Reenie Barrow and Barbara Vachon, created a truly magical evening for our three hundred and sixty guests. I sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support for the gala. The funds raised will be put towards the preservation and care of Blithewold’s rare collection of specimen trees and gardens." This biennial event successfully raised over $130,000 in net proceeds.
The guests experience began with a breathtaking view of the spectacularly appointed tent framed by the 11 acre Great Lawn as the sun set on Narragansett Bay. A bit of whimsy was provided by way of a "live birch grove" performed by actors from Ten31 Productions. The cocktail hour was followed by an elegant gourmet dinner prepared flawlessly by Russell Morin Catering. After dinner guests enjoyed dancing under the trees to the swinging sounds of Night Rhythm; a Boston based eight-piece band.
The evening sparkled with creative fundraising activity including a champagne diamond raffle. The lucky winner of the one carat bauble was Bristol resident Jack Huse. Karen Adams, anchor for WPRI’s Channel 12/Fox Providence served as the Mistress of Ceremony for the live auction. Guests also had a wide assortment of silent auction items to bid on, including trips, sporting packages, dinners, couture gowns and fashion accessories. The silent auction raised over $31,000.
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum is a landscaped historic public garden and the Rhode Island’s only recognized arboretum. Situated on Bristol Harbor with sweeping views overlooking Narragansett Bay, the 33 acres of trees, lawns, flowers and gardens also features a forty-five room mansion filled with original antiques and artwork. It is the mission of Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum to preserve New England’s finest garden estate through excellence in horticulture and historic preservation, and by our example to teach and inspire others.
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