for immediate release

Guild of the Chicago Botanic Garden's Annual Harvest Ball Raises $450,000 for the Learning Center

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (September 28, 2011) — The Guild of the Chicago Botanic Garden held its Thirteenth Annual Harvest Ball recently on the beautiful, early fall grounds of the Chicago Botanic Garden. More than 500 guests attended the black -tie garden party, raising $450,000 for the Learning Center, which provides educational programs for teachers and youth from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Through these programs, the Garden seeks to inspire a lifelong interest in science and respect for our environment.

Event co-chairs and Guild members Kimberly Burt of Chicago, Peyton Merrill of Winnetka and Riley O'Neil of Chicago greeted guests as they entered the cocktail reception and silent auction in McGinley Pavilion. Guests sipped Moët & Chandon champagne as they used new BidPal technology to bid on more than 90 auction items in categories such as "Great Escapes," "Date Night," "Game On!," "Sweet Child of Mine," and "Happy Home and Hostess."

A live auction held during dinner featured items such as an intimate cocktail reception for 20 that comes with a $10,000 gift certificate from GRAFF, and domestic and international vacation packages including a five-night stay for two at the Four Seasons Resort, Nevis, West Indies; a weekend stay and tckets to the 2012 Kentucky Derby; and a family vacation to A Bar A Ranch in Wyoming.

Hors d'oeuvres and dinner, prepared by Calihan Catering, featured hearty comfort food followed by dancing to Lynne Jordan and The Shivers. Flowers and stunning tablescapes of fall-colored roses staged throughout the tent were designed by Botanicals.

The annual Ball, attended by more than 500 of Chicago's civic leaders, has raised more than $2.5 million to date for the Garden's education, environmental and children's programs. Established in 1998, the Guild supports the Garden through projects, as well as fund-raising events. Led by co-presidents Gloria Masterson of Kenilworth and Riley O'Neil of Chicago, the group has more than 100 members representing a diverse collection of young leaders from the Chicago area.

Support for the Harvest Ball was provided by American Airlines, GRAFF, and Moët & Chandon. For more information about the Guild or the Harvest Ball, call (847) 835-6830.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden is free. Select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. For information about Garden programs and events, call (847) 835-5440, or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

Interact with the Garden for this and other Garden events and programs:

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The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 24 distinct display gardens and four natural areas. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.