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Final Luncheon Hosted By First Lady Conte to Benefit The Tennessee Residence Will Be October 1

Silent Auction to Include Artwork by Governor Bredesen, Other Pieces Created Especially for the Event

September 1, 2009

First Lady Andrea Conte will host a final First Lady’s Luncheon to benefit The Tennessee Residence on Thursday, October 1, on the lawn of the Residence. The Luncheon celebrates the completion of the restoration and new construction on the property. Guests will have an opportunity to tour the restored Residence, as well as be among the first to tour Conservation Hall, the newly completed underground facility designed to better manage official functions occurring at the Residence.

"Supporters from around the state have made the previous ‘First Lady Luncheons’ a success. As we enter this time of transition, this will be my farewell luncheon and an opportunity to thank the many generous donors who helped make the work on the Tennessee Residence property possible," Conte said. "The event is a tremendous way to wrap up the project and acknowledge the collaboration among the Residence Foundation, private donors, the state, and the artisans and craftsmen that made the restoration and new construction a reality."

A silent auction will feature items created by local artists especially for the luncheon. Luncheon guests will have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind items such as:

  • Artwork personally created by Governor Phil Bredesen
  • "Plein Air" paintings by Tennessee artists, including Michael McBride and James Threalkill
  • Wood art pieces handcrafted from trees that once stood on the grounds of the Tennessee Residence

Grammy award winning gospel singer CeCe Winans will sing the grace prior to lunch being served.

Garden clubs from across Tennessee will assemble unique floral designs to complement the theme of the luncheon, "Greening of the Residence." Six years ago, the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs created a dedicated ‘flower fund’ for official events held at the Tennessee Residence, and also volunteered to decorate the Residence gates for seasonal and holiday occasions.

Proceeds from the Luncheon benefit The Tennessee Residence and are earmarked for the revitalization of the grounds. Tickets are $250 and include lunch and tours. To purchase individual tickets, a table, or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please call the Office of the First Lady at (615) 741-7846.

The Executive Residence, originally referred to as "Far Hills" because of its beautiful view, was built in 1929 by the William Ridley Wills family and purchased by the state of Tennessee following the death of Mr. Wills in 1949. The third and only remaining Governor’s Residence in the state, it has hosted numerous events and celebrities during its 54 years as the state’s Executive Residence. The house has been visited by such famous people as the Reverend Billy Graham, Elvis Presley, President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, President and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, and numerous governors and royalty from around the world.

All donations for the restoration and preservation of Tennessee’s Residence are greatly appreciated. For more information or to make a donation, please call the Office of the First Lady at (615) 741.7846. For information about the Tennessee Arts Commission, visit http://www.arts.state.tn.us/ or call (615) 741.1701.