The annual Butterfly Ball fundraiser for Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve generated roughly $200,000 this year—a record according to Director Tavia Cathcart Brown.
That figure reflects more than $75,000 over last year’s ball, which Brown called remarkable in a time when charitable funds are otherwise tight.
“Our community really showed up for us,” Brown said in a phone interview Monday. “From the aspect of charity, our funds have really tightened in terms of foundation funding. The ball was really important and I’m thrilled people came with good spirits and generous hearts.”
Those good spirits bid high on good spirits auctioned during the event last Friday night, among them a four rare bottles of W.L. Weller bourbon and “The Evangelist,” a rare bottle from the Maker’s Mark Founders Series.
Other auction items included an entire steer donated by the Jones Brothers Farm, a Maker’s Mark experience at the Samuels House, a trip for six to Tuscany, a summer trip to Aspen and more.
The evening, per tradition, began in the Woodland Garden setting with open bars featuring specialty bourbons and signature drinks, a live bluegrass band, a farm-to-fork dinner by Volare, auction items and a personalized butterfly experience.
The Butterfly Gala ultimately brings friends and neighbors together with the goal of providing scholarship funds for Creasey Mahan’s outdoor forest school, support capital projects on the grounds and beautify the preserve.