The City of Kennesaw announced that Smith-Gilbert Gardens will host its annual fundraising event, Harvest Gathering: A Garden-to-Table Dining Experience, on Sunday, Oct. 4, offering guests an evening of seasonal cuisine, wine pairings and opportunities to support the nonprofit foundation that helps maintain the public gardens.
The event will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature a specially curated three-course dinner prepared by Taylor Lairsey of 1885 Grill. Each course will be paired with wines from Tiger Mountain Vineyards.
Proceeds from Harvest Gathering will benefit the Smith-Gilbert Gardens Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with the city of Kennesaw to support the gardens’ horticultural collections, educational programming and initiatives connecting children with nature and art. Garden staff also will host informational booths where attendees can learn more about the foundation’s mission and make additional contributions.
A limited number of patron and VIP tickets are available. Those ticket holders will receive early access to the gardens, including charcuterie and a beverage, as well as a private garden tour led by Executive Director Dave Simpson and Garden Manager Hanna Young.
The evening also will feature a Bourbon & Wine Pull fundraiser. For a $25 contribution, participants can select a mystery bag containing a bottle of wine or liquor valued between $25 and more than $100.
The dinner menu includes a winter-mix salad with mulled-wine-poached pears, goat cheese, candied pecans and champagne vinaigrette; a family-style entrée of beef filet with broccoli rabe and roasted colored potatoes; and shortbread topped with poached apple, bourbon whipped cream and a bourbon drizzle. Each course will be accompanied by a curated wine pairing, and a cash bar will be available for additional beverages.
General admission tickets are $135, while VIP admission is $160. A $250 sponsorship package also is available. An early-bird discount on general admission will be offered through Aug. 29.
Organizers encourage attendees to wear autumnal casual elegance for the outdoor event, which will be held rain or shine. Seating is limited, and tickets are nonrefundable.
Tickets may be reserved online at https://app.etapestry.com/cart/Smith-GilbertGardensFoundat/default/category.php?ref=6264.0.5216303..
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