Heritage Foundation

Just outside the Cool Springs area, The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County will host its 37th annual Heritage Ball on Saturday, October 2, at the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park in Franklin. Cocktails are at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and dancing to follow.

Tickets are $250 per person. For reservations contact Kristy Williams at 615.591.8500, Extension 17.

Major Sponsors of the Heritage Ball this year are Bob Parks Realty/Drees Homes, CapWealth Advisors, LLC, David W. Garrett, Attorney at Law, Fifth Third Bank, First Farmers, First Tennessee, Franklin Synergy Bank, Grand Avenue Limousine, JLB Works, Lexus of Nashville, Lipman Brothers, Inc./Red Dog Wine & Spirits, Emily A. Magid, The Martin Foundation, The Premiere Event, Aubrey & Michele Preston, The Tennessean/Williamson A.M., Tennessee Commerce Bank, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, VIP Williamson County Magazine, and Waste Management.

Supporting Sponsors are Avenue Bank, Bank of America, Batten & Shaw, Inc., Citizens Corporation, Hastings Architecture Associates, LLC, and Stites & Harbison PLLC.

All proceeds from the ball benefit the work of the 43-year-old Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and preserve the architectural, geographic and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County and to promote the ongoing economic revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation. To learn more about the Heritage Foundation, visit their website.

Heritage Ball Taking Off

The chairs of the 2010 Heritage Ball have assembled a dream team of New York designers, local artists and celebrity florists to execute their vision around the theme of “Up, Up and Away!” As the pieces come together, the Ball is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic and spectacular ever.

Serving as the chairs are Anita Hogin and Hugh Howser of H Three Events, who have been the creative minds behind some of middle Tennessee’s most talked-about events. They’ve engaged New York designer Vadie Turner and artist Ken Warrington in conceptualizing the visual elements. And now they’ve brought in Branches – the florists who turned heads at Carrie Underwood’s wedding – to craft the centerpieces that are sure to grab attention at Franklin’s longest-running black tie event on Oct. 2.

“The centerpieces will certainly support the theme, and patrons will notice different versions that draw the eye toward the stage in dramatic fashion,” said Howser. “These arrangements are breathtaking, and we can’t wait to unveil them!”

One version includes a kite structure that will flutter in the breeze, high above 30 tables. Think blue hydrangeas, coral accents, and calla lilies that create a sense of floating clouds. Another includes a low, sunken pearl lily arrangement that features suspended candles and an intoxicating scent. Linens of antique gold, cream and coral will transition from the cocktail tent, through the dining area and toward the stage and dance floor. Giant arrangements echoing the flight theme will anchor the spaces.

“Floral sets the stage at any gala,” Howser said. “We’re pulling out all the stops, and Branches is the best of the best at creating a magnificent ambience.”

Heritage Ball Flying High

“Our theme this year is Up, Up and Away, and we’re taking this gala to the skies in more ways than one,” says Howser. “The cocktail tent, which we’re dubbing Feathered Friends Lounge, will showcase 420 birds flying through the air created by Ken Warrington.

“Ken is a genius at taking grandiose ideas and making them a reality,” says Howser, who along with Hogin, owns H Three Events, a renowned event planning company based in Brentwood. Both are chairing the ball on a volunteer basis.

Warrington, a Grassland resident, is formally trained as an architect. His graphic artist firm, Impatto, serves as a creative support team for planners like Howser and Hogin who strive to bring a “Wow” factor to their events.

“These birds at the ball will be spectacular,” says Warrington who is creating each one by hand. “They’ll be suspended in flight patterns from the top of the cocktail tent. Warrington says lighting and shadows at the ball will give interesting movement to his flocks.

Howser insists this year’s ball will soar to new heights with its artful elements. “We’re combining Big Apple glitz and glamour with the down home gracious hospitality for which the Heritage Ball has long been known,” he said.

The Atlanta All-Stars To Headline Heritage Ball

Patrons attending the 37th Annual Heritage Ball at the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park on October 2 will be dancing to hit after hit from the Atlanta All-Stars, one of the best party bands in the South.

“The Atlanta All-Stars are out of this world,” said Anita Hogin of H Three Events, who is co-chairing the Ball with her business partner, Hugh Howser. “Every one of them is super talented, and their horn section is simply amazing. This band will have the Heritage Ball rocking well into the night!”

Led by singer Darren Leslie, who has performed with legends like Kool & The Gang and The Temptations, the All-Stars are backed up by two phenomenal female vocalists and a band that includes a four-piece rhythm section, two trumpets, two saxophones, and a trombone. The play list ranges from The Beatles to ZZ Top, Otis Redding to The Rolling Stones… this will be one you won’t want to miss! The Heritage Ball marks the first appearance of The Atlanta All-Stars in Middle Tennessee.

And with H Three Events organizing the Ball, you can expect the evening to be taken to a new level of professional party planning. Hogin and Howser’s client list is a who’s who in Middle Tennessee, and their parties have been featured in People magazine.

“This pair of event professionals will produce a spectacular Ball,” said Heritage Foundation Executive Director Mary Pearce. “Our 37th annual black-tie gala will be one for the history books.”

Heritage Ball in Franklin, TN

Silent Auction Items Flying In For Heritage Ball

The 37th Annual Heritage Ball is only two weeks away, but silent auction committee chairs Stephanie Allen and Jessica Perry are still taking in fabulous items.

“We’ve been so amazed at the generosity of our merchants and supporters,” said Allen. “Everyone understands that the proceeds benefit the Theatre, and with the construction underway, we’re all excited about seeing the doors open.”

A sampling of what you’ll see on the silent auction table at the Ball includes:
• Vince Gill & Amy Grant autographed guitar
• Afternoon tea party at Homestead Manor
• Private dinner in your home for 10 from Al Dente Catering
• A new look from Salon Stiletto
• Original works of art from Mark English and Jerry Quinlisk
• Stay at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
• Private tour of the Franklin Theatre with Managing Director Steven Greil
• Antique jewelry from Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry
• Stay at private log cabin on Center Hill Lake
• Signed memorabilia from the Tennessee Titans
• Hand-made pearl necklace and earring set from Jane Troup
• Ticket packages for the Franklin Theatre, 3 Blind Vines, and more!
• Set of framed, signed and numbered Marvin Stalnaker prints
• And much more

If you are interested in donating an item to the Silent Auction, please contact Stephanie Allen at 615-406-4592.