Dogwood Luncheon Planning Committee members stand with 2015 Woman Woman of the Year Angie Bandy during last year’s event. From left are Rocio Kemp, Robin McKenna, Bandy and Lara Lee Buchheit.The sprouting of white, petal-like blooms on the mountain’s many dogwood trees signifies not only the coming of spring, but also of the Signal Mountain Community Guild’s Dogwood Luncheon. The 47th annual event will be held at the Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club Wednesday, April 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“It’s a great time to meet neighbors and friends,” said Robin McKenna, event chairwoman.
Aside from giving attendees a chance to enjoy lunch and live entertainment with other women in the community, the purpose of the luncheon is to announce the guild’s 52nd Woman of the Year (there have been four years in which two women were recognized the award).
The winner is chosen by the guild’s selection committee using the nominations it receives from other women detailing the nominees’ service to the community. The 2015 Woman of the Year was Angie Bandy.
Returning again this year to provide entertainment are 2016 luncheon performers and Signal Mountain residents Rebecca McGuicken and her 18-year-old stepdaughter Asher, along with two other performers, McKenna said.
According to a press release, Rebecca McGuicken has released two albums and has performed all over the world, and Asher shares in her stepmother’s passion for singing, which is immediately apparent in Asher’s captivating voice.
Attendees will have the chance to win a variety of door prizes from Signal Mountain merchants and restaurants. McKenna said upwards of 40 door prizes were given away last year.
One change in this year’s event is the expansion of the vendor show in the lobby during cocktail hour, which will begin at 10:30 a.m., a half-hour earlier than in previous years, said McKenna.
“We’ll have more people selling items and giving out information on their businesses,” she said.
In the past, tickets have been sold at Wild Hare Books, which recently ceased operations, so this year Olive Bean has agreed to sell the tickets, which cost $25 each. Tickets will also be available at the door, but McKenna recommends purchasing in advance.
“It’s usually a sell-out,” she said of the luncheon, which typically draws about 100 women from the community. “Plus, it’s all for a good cause; anything we make beyond the cost of the event goes back into the community.”
The guild makes annual donations to local organizations and causes such as Signal Mountain Social Services, Waldens Ridge Emergency Services, the town of Signal Mountain’s fire and police departments and the rebuilding of the Pumpkin Patch playground, as well as two college scholarships to students on the mountain, said McKenna.
Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club is at 809 James Blvd. and Olive Bean is at 1404 James Blvd.