RECAP: Once in a Blue Moon 2021
Supporters gathered under the moon and stars at The Land Trust for Tennessee’s historic Glen Leven Farm on Saturday, October 30, for The Land Trust’s annual Once in a Blue Moon event. The group was brought together for a mutual cause: conserving land important to the people of Tennessee. Co-Chairs Louise Beasley and Rosemary McIlhenny went to great lengths planning and executing the finest details of the event, making this year’s Once in a Blue Moon a truly unforgettable celebration.
The evening began with a walk through the property’s historic barn, where guests were greeted with a specialty cocktail, Perpetuity Potion, created by The Hermitage Hotel featuring Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, a presenting sponsor of the event. Before the dinner bell and program began, guests enjoyed live music by Leroy Powell during the cocktail hour.
To kick things off, Liz McLaurin, President and CEO of The Land Trust for Tennessee, thanked those in attendance and introduced Paiton Ingram, a landowner whose family has protected land with The Land Trust, to lead the crowd in a rendition of God Bless America, a Once in a Blue Moon tradition. Doris McMillan of the Tennessee Historical Commission followed with a moving blessing about caring for creation.
During the dinner, supporters enjoyed a short video which featured remarks from conservation partners including Jim Bryson of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Robyn Carlton of Lookout Mountain Conservancy, as well as landowners who have protected land in the Southeast.
Representative Greg Vital took to the stage to introduce Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, who spoke about the importance of open space to the quality of neighborhoods in the Chattanooga region and across the state and the value of conservation partners like The Land Trust for Tennessee.
Looking back on accomplishments over the past 22 years and towards the future of conservation throughout the state of Tennessee, the evening was a special celebration that brought together many generations of supporters.
Following a farm-to-table dinner by Catering & Events by Suzette, Leroy Powell returned to the stage for a lively performance alongside the signature bonfire and s’mores.
Photos by Peyton Hoge.
Special Thanks to All Who Made this Possible
This year’s Once in a Blue Moon was made possible by our sponsors Jack Daniel’s, Tractor Supply Company Foundation, Gustaf W. McIlhenny Foundation, Haven Behavioral Healthcare, LP Building Solutions, Morning Pointe Senior Living, Andrews Transportation Group, McEwen Group, Lipman Brothers and R.S. Lipman Company, and The Hermitage Hotel, as well as Corporate table hosts, including FINN Partners, First Horizon Foundation, Riley Warnock & Jacobson, PLC, and Truist.