The Morton Arboretum Presents A “Well-Seasoned” Dinner Party

“Four Seasons” Fundraiser Supports Arboretum’s Mission

LISLE, IL (March 26, 2007) – Helping trees and saving the environment sounds like serious business, and it is. But it can be delightful, as well.

Guests can enjoy an evening among friends of The Morton Arboretum during The Four Seasons Dinner Party fundraising event, on Saturday, May 12.

“The public’s support of the Four Seasons Dinner Party helps the Arboretum fulfill its mission - to encourage the planting and conservation of trees, for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world,” said Sandy Becky, who chairs the event along with her husband, Arboretum trustee Wally Becky. Arboretum trustee Anna Ball is a co-chair.

The Arboretum relies on donations to fund programs and activities that produce engaging visitor experiences that enrich their lives, and improve their communities.

The party will support the Arboretum’s Branching Out! capital campaign that made possible several facility upgrades. These include a four-acre Children’s Garden, that combines learning, play, and other hands-on experiences that are essential to help kids flourish. Children and their families also gain a greater understanding of trees and nature by exploring the Maze Garden, the Visitor Center, and the restored Meadow Lake – all part of the Branching Out! initiative.

The Four Seasons Dinner Party begins at 6:30 p.m. in Arbor Court, as the band, Trillium, entertains with sweet, string music. Guests can sip cocktails and enjoy hors d’oeuvres as they gaze upon the breathtaking vistas of Meadow Lake. Or if they wish, they may wander into the Pine Family Collection nearby, and marvel at the wonderful, larger-than-life sculpture that internationally-acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty will have created. Dougherty twists, bends and “snags together” saplings and branches, with amazing, unique results. The sculpture is designed to help visitors appreciate trees on a deeper level, and to encourage them to plant and conserve trees.

A full-course dinner starts at 7:30 p.m. in the fabulously-decorated Ginkgo Room. Kehoe Designs will create décor in the same vibrant, signature style that has delighted audiences in numerous galas around the state, and at a gubernatorial inaugural in Springfield. Harpists Barbara Fackler and Laura Fako will provide soothing selections from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons as dinner is served.

Tickets to the Four Seasons Dinner Party are $300 each. Those purchasing a $3,000 table of ten as a Hawthorn Sponsor will receive special recognition in the evening’s printed program. Those purchasing a $5,000 table of ten as a Ginkgo Sponsor also are recognized specially in the program, and receive an exclusive, behind-the-scenes Arboretum tour. The Morton Arboretum Development Office is taking reservations at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or at 630-719-7976. “Cocktail attire” is requested.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of more than 4,000 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier, Central Time. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT) and 9:30 to 4 p.m. (CST). Visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630-968-0074 to learn more.

Media Contact:    Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Marty Cusack, 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it