First Lady Crissy Haslam Hosts 5th Biennial First Lady’s Luncheon to Benefit the Tennessee Residence Foundation

Private fundraising event will help support the current landscape renovation project at the Tennessee Residence

NASHVILLE – First Lady Crissy Haslam today hosted the 5th biennial First Lady’s Luncheon to benefit the Tennessee Residence Foundation and the current project to renovate and restore the Tennessee Residence grounds. Proceeds from the event will help fund Phase III of the project, focusing on the addition of a Greenhouse and Secret Garden. The Greenhouse will reflect the home’s 1930s architecture while providing a place to grow heirloom seeds, and the Secret Garden will transform a disrupted side yard into an area for visitors to enjoy the property’s four seasons statues.  

 “Bill and I are so thankful to the many Tennesseans who have generously contributed to the historic preservation of Tennessee’s home, and we are thrilled to begin the next phase of the landscape renovation plan.”As chair of the Tennessee Executive Residence Preservation Foundation, Mrs. Haslam launched the master landscape renovation plan in October 2011. To date, project accomplishments include the restoration of the historic lily pond garden, the entrance to Conservation Hall, the Great Lawn, and a kitchen and cutting garden, sponsored by Tennessee based companies Nissan North America and Scripps Networks Interactive.

Today, more than 600 men and women from across the state joined Mrs. Haslam on the Great Lawn to support Phase III of the master renovation plan. Guests toured the grounds to view significant project accomplishments and enjoyed entertainment sung by Janelle Arthur, 2013 American Idol finalist, and remarks from keynote speaker Chris Lambton, host of HGTV’s program “Going Yard.”

“Our state’s Executive Residence is among the most beautiful in the nation, and I am very proud to continue our efforts to restore the Tennessee Residence grounds to their original health and design,” said Mrs. Haslam. “We look forward to completing this project, so visitors can enjoy the beautiful home and grounds for years to come.”

The Tennessee Executive Residence Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created to raise and spend funds for the renovation, restoration, reconstruction, expansion, and upkeep of the Tennessee Residence. For more information about the landscape renovation project, visit http://www.tn.gov/firstlady.