Enchanting Party to Support Greening
One Enchanted Evening Fundraiser Benefits The Morton ArboretumLISLE, IL (May 19, 2008) – The grace, beauty, and elegance of a “living garden” in a woodland setting will set the stage for “One Enchanted Evening,” The Morton Arboretum dinner party on Saturday, June 21. This annual fundraiser supports the Arboretum’s mission of encouraging all to plant and protect trees for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. It’s a message that resonates with those who seek to protect the environment.
“The Arboretum has already conducted crucial greening efforts, including the development of new, hardier trees for the Chicago area; and public education on the care and selection of trees. This annual dinner party is the major fundraiser to support the Arboretum and the proceeds are essential for this vital work to continue,” says Ann Grube, Arboretum trustee and a noted civic and philanthropic leader.
The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres featuring remarkable “living garden” elements. A “vine” will slowly, gracefully, and spectacularly move through the guests, while a living “water fountain” complements the enchanted, extraordinary experience. The classical guitarist Christopher Laughlin provides a soothing musical backdrop. It all happens in the historic Arboretum Hedge Garden, considered to be the oldest, continuous hedge display among public gardens in the United States.
At 7:30 p.m., guests are invited into the dinner tent amid the elegant, English garden beauty created by Joseph Leigh Designs of Evanston. His unique style will stimulate the conversation and enhance the relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere of One Enchanted Evening with fragrant florals, boxwoods, topiaries and more. Leigh’s décor has captivated attendees at the Joffrey Ballet galas in 2001 and 2003, and the International Visitors Center of Chicago Consular balls of 2005, 2006 and 2007, among other high-profile events.
Calihan Catering provides the sumptuous meal, featuring many foods grown from the Midwest region. As guests dine within nature’s beauty, The Brass String Chamber Ensemble rounds out the delightful experience. Calihan has been providing culinary delights at many Chicagoland social events, including those held by Ameritech, Boeing, Cartier, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
After dessert, guests will flow into the cocktail tent for after-dinner chocolates, cordials, and other drinks. All will leave with a special, Arboretum gift.
Tickets to One Enchanted Evening are $300/person. Tables seating 10 are available at $5,000 and $3,000 sponsorship levels. The Morton Arboretum Development Office takes reservations at 630-719-7976, or via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cocktail attire.
The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges dinner party Contributing Sponsor JP Morgan, and Floral Sponsor FTD.
The One Enchanted Evening co-chairs are Anna Caroline Ball, President and CEO of Ball Horticultural Company, and Catherine Slark, both Morton Arboretum trustees. In addition, the 2008 dinner party planning committee includes Mary Ann Anderson, Arboretum member; Sandy Becky, wife of Arboretum trustee Walter Becky; Ann Grube, Arboretum trustee; and Sherry Reum, wife of Bob Reum, chairman of the Arboretum's board of trustees, and Chairman, President, and CEO of Amsted Industries.
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,134 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. Central Time or sunset, whichever is earlier. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. 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
Nicholle Heffern, 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it