On Familiar Ground

Darryl and Carol Yochem, Beth Murdock

Marty and Betty Dickens Kim Hewell and Norm Scarborough

Don Miggs and Lisa DeBartolo, Barry Stowe

The 1929 Club Dinner comes roaring back to Cheekwood

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens celebrated the members of its 1929 Club with a special reception and dinner. While it had entertained these most generous donors with intimate outdoor events during the pandemic, this was the first time in three years that everyone was able to come together under one roof. And they thoroughly enjoyed every minute!

Named for the year construction began on the estate, the 1929 Club was established initially to generate support for the historic refurnishing of the Cheekwood Mansion, and it continues to provide essential funding to ensure long-term care and maintenance of the American Country Place Era property. The latest example is the refresh to Botanic Hall and Massey Auditorium. Aesthetic improvements and functional upgrades have made it a more flexible space thanks to new walls, ceiling, lighting, and refinished terrazzo floor. That also made it the obvious place to hold the party.

After taking in all the changes, guests enjoyed Champagne and passed appetizers from Kristen Winston Catering in the “new” Massey Auditorium. Attendees crowded around special guests, the American Public Garden Association’s Board of Directors, who were in town for meetings at Cheekwood. They were an amusing group and obviously appreciated the Southern hospitality they were shown.

Eventually, everyone sat down at tables covered in blackand-white floral tablecloths that Amos Gott of AmosEvents must have chosen to bridge the modernist feel of the room with his classic centerpieces of lush white roses. The elegant threecourse meal from Kristen featured butter lettuce salad with a seasonal cider crème fraîche dressing, beef tenderloin with Dijon tarragon sauce and a trio of decadent desserts.

President and CEO Jane MacLeod said a few words, as did MaryLynn Mack, APGA board chair, before Vice President of Gardens and Horticulture Peter Grimaldi spoke. His presentation on Bryant Fleming, who designed and constructed the mansion, gardens and surrounding landscape, reminded these donors why they continue to support Cheekwood so generously.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS