Starry Starry Night Blooms with Style and Support for Middle Tennessee’s Trees

At twilight on an October evening, guests gathered at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens’ Massey Hall for the inaugural Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee’s Starry Starry Night — a patrons party for the Branching Out fashion show and tea party. The new event raises funds for the Branching Out initiative, which seeks to plant 500,000 trees across Middle Tennessee and furthers the organization’s mission to inspire and educate the community through horticulture.

As the sun set, guests enjoyed Champagne and cocktails in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden before joining friends in the hall to shop from beautiful Dillard’s displays. Co-chairs Lacey Moore and Liane Dunn visited with supporters as everyone made their way to a dinner inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s acclaimed “Starry Night” — a theme echoed through floral arrangements and tablescapes. The evening became not only a fundraiser, but also a friendraiser, as many longtime supporters welcomed new-to-the-organization guests and invited them to enjoy the evening.

After a delicious dinner of pork tenderloin, salmon, pumpkin ravioli and roasted vegetables provided by Corner Market Catering Company, HSMT president Deby Pitts took the stage. “Planting trees is in the DNA of the Horticultural Society,” she said, explaining that the Branching Out initiative — chaired by Lucie Cammack — nods to HSMT’s roots. Shortly after the organization’s founding in 1932, its supporters planted two trees on the site of every single public school in Nashville.

When it was time for the incredible auction, emcees — and dynamic duo  — Danielle and Joe Breezy energized the crowd. The auction included terrific items like a specimen tree, a Jack Daniels private tour, a wine dinner with Deby and Keith Pitts, a Fender guitar autographed by Reba McEntire, original art by Revi Ferrer, and landscape design services.