On the Circuit: Swan Ball Unveiling

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens patrons and supporters filled the beautiful home of Kim and Jeff Leeper to hear the news of this year’s Swan Ball. On the winter’s evening, even Mother Nature could not stop devotees of the event from gathering to hear the details of what co-chairs Ashley Rosen and Elizabeth Dingess have been working on tirelessly for months. Legacy chair Elizabeth said, “My mom, Anne Caldwell Parsons, chaired the Swan Ball in 1969, and loved the Swan Ball immensely throughout her life. I know mom is supporting us from heaven, martini in hand!”

The purpose of the evening was to announce some major details of the 61st annual Swan Ball. Guests were delighted to learn that Verdura and — with a first-time appearance — Belperron are the featured jewelers for the event. Verdura is internationally recognized for elegant, original designs such as the Maltese Cross brooches for Coco Chanel. Belperron has been recognized as one of the 20th-century’s most influential designers, described by the New York Times as, “modern before the world was.”

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Lillian “Tooty” Bradford as the Swan Award Recipient. Former Swan Ball chair, regular volunteer and avid supporter of Cheekwood, Tooty has given selflessly of her talent, time and treasure to support Cheekwood and its mission. 

Other notable announcements included the naming of Kristen Winston as the caterer for Swan Ball, with Page & Windrow Event Planning leading the design and execution of the event. The Swan Ball Auction — co-chaired by Natalie Clements, Delia Darst and Amy Keith — will include fantastic lots of special experiences like Michael Shane Neal’s Curated Art Experience. To put a fun cap on the evening, the Late Party, co-chaired by Murray Benson and Francie Corcoran, will feature Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters with a mix of swing, jazz, soul, Motown, rock and pop.