On Saturday, May 21, Friends of Bulloch, Inc. celebrated the 37th Magnolia Ball at the Atlanta Country Club with its generous sponsors and more than 200 guests. It was a magical evening with beautiful gowns and handsome tuxedos enjoying the Magnolia Ball Opening Reception with outstanding auction items, unique gifts from Mittie’s Gift & Museum Shoppe, and photo shoots with the Magnolia Ball Committee, the Roswell Rotary Club, and the Roswell Woman’s Club. After the reception the program began. The ballroom was beautiful, with exquisite floral arrangements on a column pedestal, which was in keeping with the Greek Revival architectural theme representing the four 21-foot Tuscan columns of Bulloch Hall. Mayor Kurt Wilson and First Lady Stacey Wilson were recognized as Honorary Chairs and the Mayor held the flag as veterans were honored and colors presented.
Bob Hagan, President of Friends of Bulloch, Inc., presided over the event and recognized and thanked the Presenting Sponsor Malon Mimms and all the other sponsors; the Magnolia Ball Co-Chairs Pam Billingsley and Jacque Digieso; the elected officials Mary Robichaux, Liz Hausmann, Christine Hall, William Morthland, and Lee Hills; and a very sincere appreciation to the Mayor and Stacey for serving as Honorary Chairs. In addition, Bob recognized the Magnolia Ball Committee that works hard throughout the year to plan the Ball. Some members have served on the committee for more than 30 years.
Pam Billingsley shared the tradition of the Eight Tartan Banners on display throughout the Country Club, which represented the founding families of Roswell and included the Bulloch family, who are all of Scottish heritage. These banners were on loan from the Roswell Presbyterian Church where they are archived. After dinner, the dance floor came alive to the music of the Fly Betty Band.
The Magnolia Ball is a highly coveted event in Roswell. It raised more than $50,000 to help continue Friends of Bulloch, Inc.’s mission to repair and preserve Bulloch Hall, childhood home of Mittie Bulloch, mother of the 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, and to complete the Blacksmith Shop and the beautiful pergola entrance to Orchard Hill.
