The theme of this year’s fundraising event will be The Life and Times of Robert Allerton, and it will be an immersive 1920’s experience. Guests are encouraged to wear 1920’s vintage dress or spring cocktail attire. Limited tickets are available for purchase here, and they are $65 per person.
From the press release:
Park Fundraiser: Inspired by the Life and Times of Robert Allerton
Monticello – Step back in time at Allerton’s Annual Fundraiser! The Spring Soiree and Garden Party will be 4pm, Saturday, May 19 at the Allerton Mansion & Gardens. All proceeds benefit Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Limited tickets can be purchased at Allerton.illinois.edu or by calling 217-333-3287.
Inspired by the life and times of Robert Allerton, this unique experience will immerse guests in the culture, fashion, and entertainment of the 1920s. Allerton sets the tone for an afternoon of extravagance – strolling through the formal gardens, swaying to live jazz music, and watching yard games on the Bowling Lawn. Guests can peruse the Mansion and enjoy tasting stations followed by dancing, dessert, and a champagne toast at dusk.
“We decided to modify the format and add a new theme to our annual Garden Party to keep things interesting for our guests, as well as attract a new crowd,” said Bridget Frerichs, Allerton’s Associate Director of Advancement. “It will still feature the gardens, but will also allow guests to experience the Mansion, and some fun added amenities that we haven’t done before.”
The event is Allerton’s only major fundraiser and this year it will mark the launch of a large campaign for the Park and Retreat Center.
“We plan to celebrate our past and showcase some future plans for the Park, encouraging donors to build on what they have already begun to create,” said Frerichs. “There are some very exciting opportunities on the horizon.”
Built as a private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, Allerton Park and Retreat Center offers a unique opportunity to experience art, nature, and history away from the distractions of everyday life. The estate contains 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas, a Mansion and Reflecting Pond, formal sculpture gardens, hiking trails, a 10-acre Meadow, a café, and several lodging facilities. Allerton is available to host a wide range of events including weddings, meetings, conferences, retreats, and special events. Overnight accommodations are available.
Contact Bridget Frerichs at [email protected] or 217-333-3287 for more information about the Spring Soiree and Garden Party, or if you would like to learn about additional giving opportunities.