The Gala, Blithewold's largest fundraising event, is held every other year. The 2012 theme will celebrate the Van Wickles' and Lyons' deep love of yachting, their collection of Herreshoff steam and sailing yachts, and Blithewold's unique setting on Narragansett Bay which provides a perfect climate for Blithewold's rich collection of rare and unusual tree specimens.

The Gala takes place on August 18th at 6pm on the Great Lawn at Blithewold. Proceeds from Blithewold's "The Yachtsmen's Ball" will benefit the preservation of Blithewold's 33-acre landscape and expand public access to Blithewold's quarter-mile shoreline located along Narragansett Bay.

Honoring: Terry and Lincoln Mossop, East Greenwich, Rhode Island and Janice and Dudley
Williams, Bristol, Rhode Island

Gala Event Chairs are Noreen Ackerman, of Warren, Chairman of Blithewold, Inc. and served as the co-chair of Blithewold's Centennial Gala in 2008.

Joseph Brito, Jr., of Bristol, who serves as Chairman of the Friends of Mount Hope Farm Board of Trustees. Joe and his wife, Betty, were Grand Marshals of the Bristol 4th of July Parade in 2011 and are involved in numerous charitable organizations and events in Bristol.

Mary Catharine Miller, of Bristol, serves as a board member of Blithewold, Inc. Mary Catharine co-chaired Blithewold's Centennial Gala in 2008 and is actively involved with the Junior League of Rhode Island.Master of Ceremony and Auctioneer: Louis Raymond landscape designer and showman, owner of Renaissance Gardening. "A fearless and humorous auctioneer, Louis has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities, from arts centers to land trusts to plant societies. Organizations that have benefited from Louis' theatricality behind the podium are the Rhode Island Courthouse Center for the Arts, Rhode Island Wild Plant Society, Rhode Island Philharmonic and the South Kingston Land Trust."

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About Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum is a landscaped historic public garden and Rhode Island's only recognized arboretum. Situated on Bristol Harbor with sweeping views overlooking Narragansett Bay, the 33 acres of trees, lawns, flowers and gardens also features a forty-five room mansion filled with original antiques and artwork. It is the mission of Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum to preserve New England's finest garden estate through excellence in horticulture and historic preservation, and by our example to teach and inspire others.