The MACC Foundation is hosting its first summer gala, an evening of “Moonlight & Memories,” in Old Town Saturday, Aug. 27. The night will begin on the lawn and veranda of the former Signal Mountain Hotel at 5:30 p.m., then move to the nearby home of Laurie Buchanan from 8:30 until 10:30 p.m.
“There is no gala on the mountain, so we’re trying to fill that void,” said Patrick Emanuel, consultant to the MACC Foundation. “We’re trying to have a large event once a quarter in order to provide more social events for people on the mountain that are appealing to people off the mountain as well. At the same time, you’re supporting a public facility that needs private support.”
Signal Mountain resident Bob Bernhardt, the recently retired conductor of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, assisted with arranging the musical performers of the evening. From 6: 30 to 8 p.m. the Tennessee Valley Brass Quintet will alternate performing with Grammy award-winning composer and lyricist Michael Huseman.
At three blocks away, the Buchanan home is within walking distance of the hotel, though golf carts and a shuttle will be available for attendees as well.
Around 125 tickets are available at $100 each, which includes entertainment and food plus a selection of beer, wine and champagne.
A variety of food will be provided by local restaurants and chefs including chef Evan Leutwiler of Chattanooga, Siren’s Steak and Seafood, Sweet Gipsy, Seventeen Ninety and a fresh sushi bar from Pruett’s Signal Mountain Market.
Wine connoisseurs will be present at food stations to assist guests with wine pairings. Contributing to the selection of wines is Steve Ledson of Ledson Vineyards, who is flying in from Sonoma, Calif., especially for the event.
A live and silent art auction featuring select works by around 20 regional artists as well as artisans from Alexian Village will be ongoing with winners announced at the culmination of the event at the first venue around 8 p.m.
The gala will then progress to the home of Dale and Laurie Buchanan at 118 Riverpoint Road.
Emanuel said the original idea for the event came from Buchanan, who wanted to host a party at her home in support of the Foundation.
Kathy Tugman and the Dave Walters Trio will entertain on the Buchanans’ deck as an assortment of desserts is served inside and on the tented balcony. Dessert wines and beer will also be provided, and the last shuttle will return to Alexian at 11 p.m.
A smaller live auction will also take place at the Buchanans’, with no more than 12 items to be presented.
Emanuel said the Foundation plans to make the summer gala an annual event. Jason and Jamie Rehm have already offered their home in Old Town, Marrcrest, for next year’s gala.
The former Signal Mountain Hotel is at 100 Alexian Way and the home of Dale and Laurie Buchanan is at 118 Riverpoint Road. For tickets contact Patrick Emanuel at 322-8445 or psemanuel@yahoo.com.