“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley
When the owner from Flora, Melissa Thomas-Lichtenwald, reached out to us wanting to collaborate and host fundraising events in support Dogwood Alliance’s work to protect forests, we were overjoyed! We had no way of knowing that it would turn into a beautiful collaboration of Asheville’s most innovative chefs, mixologists and crafters of the sensory experience.
There are no words to describe the magic of the evening; but fortunately, Erin Adams, a local photographer and supporter, shared her photography with us.
For this evening, Flora was completely transformed into a woodland dinner party which would not have been possible without the generous donations from West Elm and Classic Event Rental.
Guests were welcomed into the space through an arbor of foliage that surrounding the front door. It was like entering The Secret Garden for a magical garden party!
Once inside, guests were offered a botanical cocktail created by mixologists from Chemist.
Entertainment was provided by American folk duo, Brooke and Nick.
The talented chefs of The Admiral and Bull & Beggar served a four course summer feast expertly paired with wine from Rise Over Run and Haw River Wine Man.
To follow dinner, delectable desserts were prepared by Woodland Keep along with Appalachian Fernet by Eda Rhyne.
We were astounded at the way local community came together to showcase their talent in honor of forest protection.
It was an endlessly magical evening in a woodland setting that reminded all present that we must , Stand For Forests, they bring us so much.
As our Executive Director, Danna Smith said in her toast that evening, though Dogwood Alliance is focused on preserving Southern forests, our expertise is increasingly being recognized at the national and international level. But our roots will always be at the community scale. We support and amplify the voices of our partners in towns and counties hit hardest by the logging and the wood pellet industries. We rally those who care about forests and the effects of the climate crisis to speak truth to power. And of course, we rely on a community of passionate friends who further our work by hosting, sponsoring, and attending our special events. And by spreading the word and donating to our work.