Given on the Green: Magical Springtime Gala

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The catchy title of “Given on the Green” vividly describes a gala evening on Pinehurst’s Village Green, adjoining the historic Given Memorial Library and the Tufts Archives from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 15.

Given on the Green is modeled after Tavern on the Green, the renowned New York City restaurant in Central Park — a fitting reproduction, since Frederick Law Olmsted designed both Central Park and Pinehurst’s Village Green

The grounds of the library and archives, festooned with hundreds of sparkling lights, will be enhanced by attractive tents decorated by top interior designers in the Sandhills, and containing a progressive array of fine cuisine prepared by some of the best chefs in the area. Guests will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite tent, and on the appetizer, entree and dessert, climaxed at the end of the evening with the announcement of the winners and presentations of a “GonG” trophy.

The clever layout includes a tent shielding a good-sized dance floor, with music ranging from pop and standards to rock ’n’ roll, country, blues and beach favorites, furnished by the Fred Brush Quintet with vocals by Lynn Nelson. In addition, there are three bars serving wine, beer and soft drinks on a ticketed basis, as well as a welcome tent, strategically placed in front of the library.

“Our event promises to become a signature occasion for the library and archives as exhibited by the generosity, enthusiasm and creative talents of the participating designers and chefs,” says Nancy Geddes, co-chair of the event. “For instance, the welcome tent, decorated by Maggie Dutton, is a tribute to the Tufts family. Owner and interior designer of Southern Chic, located in the village of Pinehurst, she chose as her theme ‘Silver, Soda, and Sandhills — a Life Well Spent.’”

Brenda Lyne Interiors is another design studio and shop featured in Given on the Green. Here the theme is Indian, and the tent is called “The Jewel in the Crown.” Ashten’s is in charge of the cuisine that is closely tied into the theme.

Amy Ewing, of Sandhills Staging and Design LLC, has chosen a whimsical library pub scene around which to beautify her space. Fashioning it after the Tavern on the Green, and using vibrant colors like orange and fuchsia, she has created imaginative ways to make use of books in the setting. Rhett’s is providing light healthy pasta dishes, featuring fresh local produce.

Courtyard Garden Serenity is highlighted in the tent shared by Cumberland Interiors and the Magnolia Inn’s chef. It is a reminder of a coveted Savannah garden representing the best of the Old and New South. Soft lights and delicate fabrics are accented by lush foliage, and the scent of mint plants mingles with the aroma of the Magnolia Inn’s fare, dishes that symbolize Southern food that is simultaneously haute and down-home.

Guests are invited to join the eight designers of the Village Design Group and Chef Nathan from Ironwood as they collaborate to celebrate the gracious bygone era of a classic New England summer. Miniature crab cakes, tuna tartare on fried wonton shells, and blackberry cabernet sorbet in mini-waffle cones are some of the delights that are on this menu.

Dramatic lighting focuses on a small 18th-century temple and other Chinese antiquities in the Asian-themed tent decorated by Leader Design Studios. Elliott’s on Linden offers Asian delicacies, such as pork pot stickers and steamed shrimp dumplings.

“An Enchanted Garden” is the creation of Johnsye White Interior Design. Greeted by large full draperies upon entering the tented garden, guests will feel the instant connection between nature and elegance, as they delight in viewing some of internationally recognized artist Charles Goforth’s paintings and sampling Wolcott’s exceptional cuisine

Last, but not definitely not least, is the dessert tent decorated in spring colors and displaying a surprise sculpture. “Sweet Dreams” is the theme chosen by Design by Ely Associates/Jean Ely Interior Designer. Kraz Elegant Cakes, supplemented by The Bakehouse and Sweet Feed, have assembled a scrumptious selection of desserts and platters of decadent miniature pastries and petit fours.

Kelly McCrann and Ann Hughes are co-chairing the event with Geddes. Working closely with Audrey Moriarty, the executive director of the library and the archives, the three agree Moriarty’s dedication and innovative problem-solving techniques have been a key factor in pinning down the many details of the project.

“We are very grateful to our many sponsors,” says Geddes. “There are 20 of them — including businesses and financial institutions, the village of Pinehurst, and the Pinehurst Business Guild, as well as individuals and couples — who are vital to the success of ‘Given on the Green.’”

Referring to the beautiful artwork done by Susan Edquist of Sleepy Cat Cottage Fine Arts for the posters, tickets and program, Geddes mentions that Susan’s original drawing will be raffled off as a special prize during the evening.

Tickets, priced at $75 per person, are available at Given Memorial Library or Tufts Archives, and can also be obtained online by printing out the order blank at either of the two websites: www.givenmemoriallibrary.org or www.tuftsarchives.org.

Complementing the elegance of the evening, cocktail attire is suggested. In addition, the committee working on the event has come up with a solution for guests concerned about choosing a designated driver. Marva Kirk, of Kirk Tours, is offering a pick-up and delivery service to the library, or just a ride home from the library at the end of the evening. The service is made known to ticket buyers as they purchase their tickets, and to make arrangements, guests are asked to call (910) 295-2257, extension 21.

“Many people in the Pinehurst community are not aware of the fact that the library is privately funded and receives no federal, state or county funds,” says Geddes. “We rely heavily on our fundraising events to support the outstanding services offered by the library and the archives, and we encourage people to come and join in our gala celebration at Given on the Green.”

Contact Pinehurst writer Mary Elle Hunter at mhunter104@yahoo.com.

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