The Friends of Bulloch, Inc. 39th Magnolia Ball set new records for the most guests, the most new guests, more younger guests, the most sponsors, the most successful live and silent auctions, and the most funds raised for the preservation of Bulloch Hall. It was a night for the record books! Guests commented that they had a great time and that it was the best ball they had attended. There was so much excitement that the energy was palpable and the night flew by. The Emerald Empire Band’s upbeat tempo kept the dance floor crowded all night. And the Dunwoody Country Club hit the ball out of the park with delicious food and outstanding service! As the President of Friends of Bulloch, Bob Hagan, sums up, “The 39th Magnolia Ball goes down in history as one of our most successful! A sell out crowd, lots of dollars raised for ongoing preservation of Bulloch Hall, fabulous auctions, a beautiful, fun evening, and record sponsors. I look forward to celebrating our 40th next year. Friends of Bulloch Magnolia Ball continues to be the event not to miss.”
The theme emphasized why Bulloch Hall is historically significant in a 10-minute video produced by Tran Bui Productions that told of the “Romance of Theodore Roosevelt, Sr. and Mittie Bulloch” and their “Wedding in Bulloch Hall That Made History” in December of 1853. Mittie & Theo had four children, one of whom would become the 26th President of the United States. Today Bulloch Hall is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only nationally recognized treasure in Roswell by its connection to President Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., who visited the home of his mother in 1905. The video voiceover was done by Roswell’s own Katrina Loncaric, talented actress, singer, dancer/choreographer, and director who was in both the Broadway and Las Vegas productions of Mel Brooks' The Producers, and has a long running voiceover career.
The evening was filled with highlights. As guests entered the Dunwoody Country Club there was an enormous backdrop (step and repeat) of Bulloch Hall. Many photos were captured by Wayne Albright Photography that can be viewed on the FriendsOfBulloch.org website. The foyer bustled with guests evaluating the exclusive silent auction items and those that would be offered in the live auction. The ballroom was stunning with magnificent floral arrangements designed by Paul Chmielewski, former president, owner and designer of Blumenhaus Florist in Buckhead. His arrangements have been enthralling Magnolia Ball guests for 20 years. Artist Ann Bailey was at an easel painting the Magnolia Ball Ballroom that the auction winner would be painted into! Brown & Co. generously donated beautiful “Diamonds by the Yard” one carat earrings that prompted many bids. The live auction also include a one-of-a-kind painting by local artist Melany Shaffer, a private dinner by Jacque & Joe Digieso, and a South African photo safari. Gloria Mattei of Nothing Bundt Cakes generously donated mini-bundt cakes of assorted flavors for dessert, which the guests loved.
Bob Hagan, President of Friends of Bulloch, welcomed everyone and expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, especially Malon Mimms who has been the presenting sponsor for numerous years. Mr. Hagan also introduced the Magnolia Ball co-chairs, Chris Archer and Jonathan Crooks, who were presented gifts for their outstanding contributions. None of this immense success would have been possible without the wonderful Magnolia Ball Committee led by the co-chairs and a team that included Nancy Alterman, Pam Billingsley, Sandy Buhler, Paul Chmielewski, Marion Cockcroft, Jacque Digieso, Bob Hagan, Cathy Jones, Gwen Koehler, Katrina Loncaric, Anu Mongia, Betty Price, Ruby Purdie, Susan Rumble, Karen Schwank, Melany Shaffer, and Margie Watson.
The mission of this year’s Magnolia Ball fundraiser included 1) the restoration of the original 1839 front door estimated to cost $15,000. Upon hearing this, three generous gentlemen collaborated and donated to this restoration. 2) The Bulloch Hall property has a valuable collection of legacy trees that require skilled care by arborists estimated at $33,000. 3) Mittie’s Garden, a favorite of visitors, has been badly neglected and needs to be replanted. Estimates are being sought. Another guest made a big donation, in addition to their sponsorship, to help achieve these goals to preserve Bulloch Hall.
Next year will be the 40th Magnolia Ball. Co-chairs Jonathan Crooks and Karen Schwank, along with the Magnolia Ball committee, are busy identifying venues and dates, which they plan to announce as soon as confirmed. Stay tuned and don’t miss this event!