A splendid Sunday

Warner Parks benefit celebrates 20 years

Published On: November 25, 2009

Any event reflects the personality of its chair people but none more so than this year's Sunday In The Park, celebrating its 20th anniversary at Ridge Field in the Warner Parks. Co-chairs Elizabeth McDonald, Jacqueline Hutton, Aubrey Harwell and son Trey Harwell all exuded a "cashmere and tweed" casual elegance, which set the tone for the day. The 75 degree weather altered the planned attire of most patrons, so Jacqueline ditched her suede jacket in favor of her sleeveless ruffle blouse, short pencil skirt and, of course, pearls. Elizabeth sported a bevy of bee brooches, as did SITP perennial godmother (along with Clare Armistead and Elizabeth Queener) Alyne Massey. "I changed clothes three times!" exclaimed Kate Grayken. Thank goodness her dapper, feathered chapeau made the cut. Sandra Lipman wore a fall floral silk Oscar de la Renta with a bow at the neckline, Sissy Wilson a chic, sleeveless shift with a flounce skirt and Mary Spalding a to-the-ground dove gray, biased silk skirt with blouson sweater, which served as a dynamite backdrop for her picture frame-size aquamarine necklace. "I've been a really good girl!" she said. Jay Joyner looked like he stepped right out of the Ralph Lauren store in his suede vest and Gucci tie, while Rob and Jennie McCabe won best color-coordinated couple in their fall earth tone garments.

Aubrey and Trey's touch could be seen in the subtle man-friendly changes made to this year's always sold-out event. The Sharon Johnson-catered autumn luncheon featured a hearty boeuf á la bourguignonne, grilled ficelle, tart aux poires and brandied coffee. Ties were optional and the day's warm, sunny weather dictated that most sports coats could be left at home if so desired. Self-parking was offered along with the traditional valet, and the entire benefit started 30 minutes earlier so that everyone could get home in time to watch the Titans-49ers matchup.

The décor was au naturel with birch twigs, moss, mushrooms, placecards crafted from leaves and acorns and birds' nests centering both round and rectangular tables in fall's jewel tones. The floral napkins were so popular that Board President Lawson Allen admonished the crowd of 550 that they were, unfortunately, not party favors and must be left on the tables. More than one guest was even heard inquiring: "What about the silverware?"

Lawson recognized the 43 past chairmen of this simply elegant affair and presented a cedar, 10-foot-tall "The Chair's Chair" to commemorate two decades of volunteer efforts, which will be installed and dedicated at the Park's Nature Center. Warner Bass (ask him to tell you his "amazing" story!) presented the "Best Friend" Award to long-time friend Lucius Burch, prominent Nashvillian, environmentalist, conservationist and lead giver in the Hill property acquisition, the 324-acre tract located between Highways 100 and 70 South, which was recently purchased by the Friends of Warner Parks.

That's the last time Warner will present the Best Friend Award. It's been renamed the Warner Bass Award. Well deserved! GH

—photographs by

sinclair kelly