‘ONE ENCHANTED EVENING’ PROTECTS ENDANGERED TREES

‘ONE ENCHANTED EVENING’ PROTECTS ENDANGERED TREES

The Morton Arboretum’s Annual Dinner Party Entertains and Supports a Green Cause

LISLE, IL (May 4, 2011) –A gala inspired by high society Victorian gardens fused with a modern twist occurs among one of the world’s most renowned tree collections during “One Enchanted Evening” at The Morton Arboretum, 6:30 p.m. on May 21, 2011.

“The planting and protecting of trees is extremely important in today’s society,” says chair Mary Ann Anderson of Lisle. “Guests can attend a cultured party at the exquisite Arboretum and demonstrate their support for vital tree conservation work.”

Guests are greeted with rich greenery and large, fern and ivy flowing urns. Tall statuaries and balustrades reflect aristocratic designs found in elegant gardens during Queen Victoria’s reign. The evening will also feature jazz music and hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour. Décor by HMR Design Group of Chicago.

Attendees indulge in Victorian sweets and savories as they enter the Ginkgo Room, which has a floor-to-ceiling-window lake view. The main course is seared tenderloin of beef, poached salmon filet, and carved, glazed game bird. Strawberries sabayon and chocolate-dipped Madeleine are presented for dessert. An assortment of fruit pectins, and chocolate-covered fruits and nuts offer the perfect companion to coffee or tea. Catering by Calihan Catering of Chicago. Wine provided by Wente Family Estates, the featured wine of the Arboretum.

A drawing for prizes will be held that evening. Participants could win: A Wente Vineyards California Getaway, a catered Arboretum dinner, a professional photography session, and a centrally-located Arboretum tribute tree.

The Vineyard Getaway includes an exclusive four-adult, two-night trip to Wente Family Estates, one of California’s premier wine-country destinations. The winner will spend two days wine tasting, fine dining, and enjoying a luxurious vineyard cottage stay.

The catered-dinner prize recipient receives a private, 10-guest meal at the Arboretum. Dinner is followed by a behind-the-scenes tour and home-landscape visit from an Arboretum horticulture expert.

All “One Enchanted Evening” proceeds support the Arboretum’s mission to plant and protect endangered trees. Ten percent of all tree species are threatened with extinction, and 1,000 are considered critically endangered. Magnolia officinalis – magnolia, Abies koreana – Korean fir, and Ginkgo biloba – ginkgo are just a few examples. Nearly 100 different kinds of plants at The Morton Arboretum are considered threatened or endangered on state, federal, or world lists.

Tickets to “One Enchanted Evening” are $350 each, or $3,500 for a table of ten. Sponsorship opportunities are available at $5,000, and $10,000 per table of ten. The Morton Arboretum Development Office is taking reservations at 630-719-7976 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Cocktail attire is appropriate for this function.

Stephen and Mary Ann Anderson of Lisle chair this year’s dinner party. Arboretum Trustee Bob Reum and his wife Sherry of Wayne co-chair the event.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,128 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 Contacts: Allison Phelps, (office) 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it