Spring Outing was Picture Perfect in More Ways than One

After more than 100 years of event history, Spring Outing 2014 looked fresher than ever on Wednesday, May 21st. Presented by Adams and Reese LLP, the tented luncheon for 250 attendees was picture perfect in more ways than one – from the colorful, well-garbed tables and the stunning floral arrangements created by High Cotton Floral to the delightfully tasty lunch served by Chef’s Market and one of the day’s highlights, an art sale by The Chestnut Group benefiting The Hermitage. Adding to the spirited ambiance was the artful musical entertainment by Nashville Old Time String Band Association.

Spring Outing 2014 was chaired by the talented duo of Judith Bracken and Susan James. Keynote speaker for the event was New York Times #1 Best Selling Inspirational Author, Karen Kingsbury, who makes her home in nearby Brentwood. Kingsbury charmed the audience with her family stories of adoption and the sweetness, despite the challenges, of child rearing. She is a nationally known figure as both an author and inspirational speaker at large events across the country. Additional Spring Outing speakers included Debby Patterson Koch, Regent of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association; Sarah Knestrick, Past Regent, who presented Grace; and Howard J. Kittell, President and CEO of The Hermitage who concluded the event.

Major sponsors of Spring Outing 2014 included: Presenting Sponsor, Adams and Reese LLP; Rose Level Sponsor, HCA/TriStar Health, Major In-Kind Partner, Liberty Party Rental; Floral Sponsor, High Cotton Floral and Art Sale Sponsor, The Chestnut Group. Table Sponsors included: Judith Bracken, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Carol Daniels and Deborah Pitts, Scott and Teresa Deathridge, Susan James, McAnulty Family & Friends, Emily J. Reynolds, and Frances Spradley. Funds raised through Spring Outing support the education and preservation programs of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage.

The art sale included original works of art by members of The Chestnut Group – plein air artists dedicated to conservation of historic sites. Most of the featured paintings were created at The Hermitage throughout the past year, depicting a variety of seasons, buildings and landscapes. Paintings were available in a range of prices. Following the Wednesday event, the popular sale continued on site from Thursday through Sunday. The Chestnut Group and The Hermitage were well pleased with results of this first time experience and look forward to exploring additional ways to partner in support of the mission of The Hermitage in years to come.