A NIGHT TO REMEMBER AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

LISLE, IL (April 20, 2010) - It truly will be "One Enchanted Evening" for guests of The Morton Arboretum fundraising dinner party, on May 22 at 6:30 p.m. A remarkable sight is in store when attendees see the Arboretum's Meadow Lake reflect special lighting of varying colors and shapes that illuminates trees around the shoreline.

"The dinner party provides a unique dining experience among the beautiful, majestic trees, all in support of the Arboretum's vision to be the leading center of tree expertise," says Ann Grube, Arboretum trustee. 

Proceeds from "One Enchanted Evening" support tree conservation efforts by The Morton Arboretum. A main project is the 2010 Tree Census, which will comprehensively assess the structure and function of the Chicago metropolitan region's urban forest, and quantify the value of its environmental benefits.

Guests will mingle among décor of brilliant pink and ivory accented with lighted boxes encompassing twisting branches highlighted with bright pink roses. Coordinated by Heffernan Morgan in Chicago, the decor promises a modern and strikingly elegant atmosphere, reflecting the natural beauty of the Arboretum landscape.

Light jazz music will fill the air as attendees form new friendships or revisit old ones during the cocktail hour near the lovely formal Arboretum gardens. Ceviche, salmon tartare, strawberries filled with blue cheese, and basil-wrapped pears and fontina cheese will be served.

Afterward, guests move into the Visitor Center and Ginkgo Room Restaurant with their grand, floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of Meadow Lake for dinner. The menu includes a delectable feast of filet of beef with a merlot demi glace and lightly cooked lobster tail with herb butter; or a vegetarian option of layered vegetables set on white beans topped with asparagus points with mushroom ravioli in beurre blanc. To top off a perfect evening, the dessert is an individual baked Alaska with peppermint pink ice cream, dark chocolate fudge cake and delicate meringue, accompanied by fresh baked strawberry tarts.

Jewell Events Catering of Chicago, which provides the sumptuous meal, lists an impressive group of clients including the British Consulate-General of Chicago, Chicago Architectural Foundation, Children's Memorial Hospital, The Field Museum, Grant Park Music Festival, Rita Hayworth Gala, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany and Company.

During the evening, guests will have a rare opportunity to bid on a one-of-a-kind steel maquette sculpture by Steve Tobin, the artist who created the Arboretum's four-season exhibition Steelroots: Tobin at The Morton Arboretum. The internationally-known artist will be among the distinguished guests at dinner.

Three raffle prizes will also be offered.  Guests will get a chance to win a private, catered dinner for ten plus a behind-the-scenes Arboretum tour, and a home visit from an Arboretum horticulturist to give advice on landscape improvements. Another prize is a private, two-hour photography session at the Arboretum by Timothy Whaley and Associates of Chicago; and a majestic tribute tree that one can dedicate to the memory of a person or a significant life event is the third raffle prize. These mature trees are located centrally on Arboretum grounds.

As a private, nonprofit, the Arboretum depends on donations to fund research, education, tree collections, and activities that enhance lives, improve communities and create engaging visitor experiences.

Tickets to "One Enchanted Evening" are $350 each, or $3,500 for a table of ten. Sponsorships opportunities are available at $5,000, and $10,000 per table of ten. 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 630-725-2027. Cocktail attire is appropriate for this function.

Chairing this year's dinner party are James Crouthamel, an Arboretum trustee, and his wife, Pamela Crouthamel. The Crouthamels reside in Burr Ridge. Co-chairs are Stephen and Mary Ann Anderson of Lisle.

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges Wente Family Estates from California for providing the evenings wine selection.  Karl Wente, fifth generation winegrower for the 127 year old Wente Family Estates, will also be in attendance.

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned leader in tree science and education, working to save and plant trees. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum features magnificent collections of 4,117 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. Central Time until sunset. 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 Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, call 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

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