Four Seasons Dinner Party A Great Success

Arboretum Supporters Come Together for Fundraising and a Commitment to Nature

LISLE, IL (June 11, 2007) – More than 300 people from all over the Chicago area demonstrated their serious commitment to a greener world by raising $174,000 for The Morton Arboretum’s mission during an enjoyable evening of cocktails, music and gourmet food.

Funds raised at The Four Seasons Dinner Party on May 12 support Arboretum efforts to encourage the planting and conservation of trees, and instill in children a deeper appreciation for nature. Past fundraising dinners have supported such wonderful attractions as the four-acre Children’s Garden that combines learning, play, and other hands-on experiences that are essential to help kids flourish and connect with nature.

“Our vision for the future is to promote an environment where trees and people will flourish together,” said Arboretum Vice President of Development, Jill Koski.

Amid planters flowing with four-season color-coordinated flowers and beautiful trees, dinner party guests enjoyed a clear, sunny afternoon with cocktails. The band Trillium played soothing and mood-setting Celtic and folk instrumental music. Attendees were invited to take a stroll through the beautiful Maze Garden and Children’s Garden.

As the sun began to set, the party moved inside to the Ginkgo Room for a gourmet dinner. An entrance of draped, colored linens beckoned guests into a “Four Seasons” themed, colorful dining area that transitioned from Spring to Summer, and then Autumn into Winter, all created by Kehoe Designs. Table centerpieces featured bases made to look like tree roots, crowned by flowers and a floating, lit candle.

Each table setting included a seasonally-colored, individual salt cellar – filled with Morton Salt – which each guest could take home. The cellars were gifts from Event Chair Sandy Becky and her husband, Arboretum trustee and Morton Salt Group President Walter Becky II. Anna Ball, Arboretum trustee and Ball Horticultural Company President and CEO, was the event co-chair.

The menu featured a smoked salmon pillow first course; a tenderloin of beef, asparagus bread pudding and grilled portabella mushroom entree; and a coconut Bavarian dessert. The twin harps of Barbara Fackler and Laura Fako entertained diners with works from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and other seasonally-themed music.

After dinner, guests lingered into the evening at the “Chocolate Bar,” in the Visitor Center’s Orientation Hall, enjoying a rich selection of chocolate treats, liqueurs and coffees, all while seated on sofas, ottomans, and lounge chairs. Guests also received “thank-you” gift bags as they left.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,057 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.

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Marty Cusack, 630-719-5768 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it