The
New York Botanical Garden held its annual spring gala, The Conservatory
Ball, on June 4, 2009. There really is something magical about the
setting and the guests that create such a unique event.
The evening began with cocktails at 7:30 p.m. in the Perennial Garden,
before moving to dinner and dancing in The Conservatory Tent. The
Ball, which has been listed as one of New York's top benefits,
is one of the Botanical Garden's most important fundraising parties
of the year. More than 600 guests from New York society, dressed
in their ball gowns and tuxedos, entered the grounds winding through
flowering trees, a beautiful herb garden, and thousands of peonies. Held
on 250 acres of dazzling beauty and magnificent landscape, The Conservatory
Ball, cited as "the best dressed and most elegant evening" every
year, is the most glamorous party of the Spring Season.
The Gala chairmen are Mrs. Jeremy H. Biggs, Mrs. Richard L. Chilton,
Jr., Mrs. Charles B. Johnson, and Mrs. B. Robert Williamson, Jr. The
Chairmen's Committee consists of Mrs. Christopher Cuomo, Mrs.
James B. Fairchild, Mrs. Timothy M. George, Mrs. Edward Kaplan, Christian
Leone, Mrs. Sylvester F. Miniter IV, Mrs. George P. Taylor V, and Mish
Tworkowski. The Honorary chairmen are Mrs. Coleman P. Burke, Mrs. Marvin
H. Davidson, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Mrs. John S. Hilson, Mrs. Carlisle
Jones, and Mrs. John R. Robinson.
Cartier was the sponsor of this year's Conservatory Ball. The
Principal Benefactors for the evening are Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Chilton,
Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Johnson, and William D. Rondina.
Glorious Food catered this prestigious event and Bob Hardwick provided
the music. Bowman Dahl designed the Conservatory Tent.
All proceeds raised by the Conservatory Ball will support the core
mission of the Botanical Garden, including internationally acclaimed
programs in children's education and botanical research.
