Charleston magazine Society blog

The Charleston Garden Festival began on Thursday evening with the dramatic unveiling of the lush exhibits spread across the grounds of Middleton Plantation. Event organizers, exhibitors, and guests strolled along candlelit paths as the sound of a live Dixieland jazz band danced across the breeze. A smattering of woodland sprites, Ashley Hall upper school students by day, flitted amidst the conservatively suited crowd, and a giant paper moon cast an ambient glow over the festivities. The dessert table was laden with decadent petit fours, and it reminded me of something from Alice in Wonderland. The setting and party dressing certainly embraced the “Fantasy in the Garden” theme of the festival.

Early Saturday morning, there was electricity in the air, in addition to a brisk breeze, as thousands upon thousands descended on Daniel Island for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The arrival of the record crowd postponed the start of the race, but the turn-out made it all the more exciting. Every shade of pink dotted the race course as women and men of all ages walked, skipped, jogged, and ran in support of breast cancer awareness.

The younger fete set convened upon Middleton Plantation’s inner gardens for Saturday night’s Groovin’ in the Garden party. Although a slight generator snafu left the party shrouded in darkness for awhile, the eventual dramatic illumination of the party sparked a ripple of vocal enthusiasm amongst guests. Colorful paper lanterns rested atop the pruned hedges- an innovative use for the etheral party staple. The lights came on just in time for two professional makeup artists to impart their magic on willing guests. Ladies lined up for flash-fast makeovers, and all guests were treated to a tube of complimentary mascara at the end of the night.

Sunday afternoon may have been grey and rain soaked, but the mood was warm and wonderful for those attending the CROWNS Sacred Selections, a joint collaboration between the Gibbes Museum of Art, the Charleston Chapter of the L.I.N.K.S., Inc., and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir that lured a number of well-heeled ladies- and Wally Seinshimer- out for an afternoon of celebration and praise. Many guests donned their finest hat for the event, which began at the Gibbes where “Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats” is on exhibit. Guests then crossed the street for a gospel concert at Circular Church. Under the direction of vivacious choir director Vivian E. Jones, the choir practically blew the roof off the church. The spirituals made the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention, and Michelle Grant-Moncreift’s rousing encore brought attendees to their feet. The performance earned stampeding applause.

Coming up…

Fête Set Pick:
Thursday, October 26
Pet Helpers’ Fur Ball
Help Pet Helpers pack the house at this formal evening so they can continue their capital campaign to move the current shelter into a new state-of-the-art facility. Dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions highlight the night’s activities.

$150
Lowndes Grove Plantation, 266 St. Margaret Street
(843)795-1110, www.pethelpers.org

Fête Set Pick:
Friday, October 27
Hollings Cancer Center: Through the Kaleidoscope
Help highlight the many colors of cancer at this important event hosted by the Citizens Advisory Council. Dress up—or dress down—in your own interpretation of “Lowcountry Fabulous” for wonderful food, drinks, a live band, and an auction.

$100
Charleston Harbor Resort
(843)792-1669

Fête Set Pick:
Saturday, October 28
Salute the Sun Kids Health Yoga Marathon to benefit Louie’s Kids
Strike a pose. Five of Charleston’s best-known yoga studios are partnering with Louies’ Kids, MUSC Children’s Hospital, Whole Foods, and the Square Onion to host a yoga marathon to raise money and awareness in the fight against childhood obesity. Participants are asked to find sponsors committed to donating money for each yoga pose that the participant completes.

Marion Square, downtown
www.louieskids.org

Fête Set Pick:
Saturday, October 28
Rein & Shine: Barn Raiser
In its fifth year, this event raises the barn roof, featuring Mama Brown’s BBQ, bluegrass music, face painting, a silent auction, raffles, and pony rides for your kids. Meet the staff and their horses that serve the disabled in the Lowcountry through Equine Therapy.

$30 single; $50 couple
1276 Guerins Bridge Road, Awendaw
(843)849-0964, www.reinandshine.org

For additional events happening this week, check out Charleston magazine’s charitable events calendar. Click!

Caritas.
Ida

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