STARRY NIGHT

“This is our flagship event and we’d like everyone to have the chance to come and experience it,” says Lake Forest’s Marie Woods, president of The Associate Board of the Lake Forest Open Lands Association (LFOLA), of their annual fundraiser, Cattails & Cocktails. “We have so much fun planning it—it doesn’t even really feel like work.”

This year’s Cattails and Cocktails, “Starry Night,” will take place on Saturday, May 20, at the Mellody Farm Nature Preserve.

“We came up with the theme so organically,” Woods explains. “This event is always outdoors, under a clear-top tent, and it’s fun to dream about how we can bring the outside in. Cattails is from 6 to 10 p.m. so sunset occurs midway through the event. Guests have the pleasure of enjoying the sunset over the prairie, while the second half of the evening is spent under the stars. It’s really magical.” The event is being co-chaired by Lake Forest residents Courtney Magliochetti and Michelle Taubensee.

LFOLA is an independently funded conservation and educational organization devoted to the acquisition and stewardship of Lake Forest’s natural landscapes, and to ensuring all generations have a meaningful, lasting connection to nature and the land. The Associate Board, composed of 34 members, supports the efforts of LFOLA’s Board of Directors.

Cattails & Cocktails Starry Night will feature live music by “Magoo,” an open bar, and a live auction. This event raises critical funds for educational programs and other initiatives that are part of LFOLA’s mission.

“Our primary role as an Associate Board is to increase awareness of our programming and what LFOLA is doing in the community,” Woods says, who herself has been a board member for the last five years. “We have a number of young families on our board and engaging them is so important. It’s never too early to start teaching children about philanthropy and the importance of land conservation.”

To this end, the Associate Board launched Cattails & Kiddies as a way of incorporating children into their fundraising initiatives.

“We started this last year and it was so successful,” Woods explains. “One of our board members—Kat Taubensee—is an art teacher and she plans the most incredible projects for the children who attend.” The Associate Board hosts two sessions of Cattails & Kiddies, where youngsters enjoy a fun activity-filled spring morning at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve as a precursor to the event. (This year, Cattails & Kiddies took place on April 29.) Participants hike through the preserve, make spring centerpieces and create one-of-akind art pieces that are displayed and auctioned off at Cattails & Cocktails.

Guests of Cattails & Cocktails will have the option to purchase a seated dinner in one of 12 tents lining the perimeter of the nature preserve, or a general admission ticket to a buffet dinner under the main tent. Food for both will be prepared by Belvedere Events & Banquets.

“The more intimate dining experience was born out of Covid when we were brainstorming how to host our fundraiser and still comply with all of the required safety regulations,” Woods says. “But it was such a special way to experience Cattails & Cocktails that we continue to offer it.”

One can support Cattails & Cocktails in a number of ways—from attending the event to sponsoring various aspects of the evening. A special note of appreciation to our lead sponsor, PCA. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the “Out of this World Bar,” the “Stardust Flowers and Décor,” the “Over the Moon” Welcome Tent and Drink, and everything in between. If you are unable to attend, you may choose bid in the silent auction that will be available online one week prior to the event.

“The greater our outreach, the more our community will make the connection between our wide-open spaces and the importance of preserving them,” Woods adds. “With seven preserves, more than 1,000 acres, and 16 hiking trails—we have a lot worth caring for.”

To purchase your ticket to Cattails & Cocktails, to sponsor a portion of the evening, or to make a donation, call 847- 237-8080, 847-234-3880, or visit lfola.org.