Ten Chimneys Foundation Celebrates its Tenth Anniversary Season with a Grand Gala

Auction Items for the Grand Gala

If you find yourself interested in an item, but are unable to attend the Gala, absentee bidding is always an option. Simply email elaabs@tenchimneys.org or ring (262) 968-4110.

Indian Dinner

In January 1974, and after robust encouragement from their dear friend Helen (Ms. Hayes to the rest of us), Alfred and Lynn set sail on a world cruise aboard the luxury liner, MS Kungsholm that would take them around Africa to India, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and finally to Honolulu. As a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef, Alfred was particularly fond of the food he would have the chance to experience during this grand adventure, including Indian fare. In celebration of this world cruise – and the Lunts’ love of all cuisine, both foreign and familiar – we offer an authentic Indian meal for 8 guests, created and served by a long-standing friend of Ten Chimneys in her graciously appointed University Tower home. The evening will include Indian drinks, wine, appetizers, a full course experience and, upon request, recipes of the meal served. The date chosen will be mutually arranged by the parties involved.

Afternoon Tour of Ten Chimneys and Boat Ride

Building and nurturing lasting relationships was a cornerstone of the Lunts’ lives, both on the stage and off. Celebrate the cherished relationships in your life with a limo ride from your home for you and up to 5 additional guests to Ten Chimneys where you will be greeted by champagne and light hors d’ oeuvres, before sharing a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Lunts’ beloved home. As dusk falls, you will be whisked away to the home of Judy and Gary Jorgensen, who will entertain you and your guests during a private boat ride on Okauchee Lake, followed by dinner at the Oconomowoc Country Club, hosted by Judy and Gary. The evening will end with a limo ride back to your home where, much like the Lunts, you will bid your guests a fond farewell with the promise to share another evening again soon.

Summer Supper Poolside

Famously told, Noël Coward loved the Lunts’ pool, spending hours in and around it along with the Lunts and their closest friends. The Lunts’ pool was the social hub of the estate, and a much beloved place to gather, share picnic suppers, and enjoy the estate from this unique vantage point. In an echo to these times gone by, we offer a private tour, created for 10 guests, of the Lunts’ estate, followed by a delightful summer supper, graciously catered by a favorite Ten Chimneys friend known for her attention to the details of which the Lunts were so very fond. Swimsuits are optional. Must occur between July 31 – August 9.

A Drawing Room Delight

In 1940 on NBC radio, Lynn read a dramatic version of The White Cliffs, a passionate poem by Alice Duer Miller that narrates the lives of American Susan Dunne and her beloved English soldier John. Such a success was this reading that Lynn was asked to reprise the performance again for a non-broadcast concert performance with the Cleveland Orchestra in January 1941 and once again for a Canadian Broadcast in February 1941 where all other radio programming was suspended during the half-hour reading. Before the end of 1941, a three-record set of Lynn’s reading was issued by NBC and RCA Victor Records, and sold almost 50,000 copies by 1944. We are proud to reprise a private reading of this iconic poem with favorite local actress – and 2010 Lunt-Fontanne Fellow – Laura Gordon. Ten guests will be welcomed into the Lunts’ home with a champagne toast and light hors d’ oeuvres, before retiring to the Drawing Room for this first-time ever reading of Lynn’s version of The White Cliffs. Lynn’s no-longer-available recording of The White Cliffs, backed by the Cleveland Orchestra, will be gifted to guests as they leave for the evening.

Historic Elkhart Lake Cottage

For decades, Joe and Deirdre Garton loved historic properties. Before saving Ten Chimneys, Joe and Deirdre saw in Quivey’s Grove, an iconic Madison restaurant, the potential for a welcoming country in. They created a place where friends and family could gather and share great food, created and served by loving hands. Indeed, that also describes their cottage. Nestled on the quiet shores of legendary Elkhart Lake, this historic home echoes the joys that were and are such an important part of life on the lake: drapery in the Lake Room fashioned from 19th Century military linens; a grand table, etched with a welcoming Robert Frost quote, crafted from the trees blown down in a storm at their home in Waunakee; a quiet reading nook tucked on the balcony that overlooks the 2-story living space; bedrooms with vintage dolls and family heirlooms; boats with which to explore the lake; gardens to enjoy; and, if the weather holds, crystal clear Elkhart Lake to swim in. This home has been a Garton family treasure for decades, and is now offered as a respite for 10 guests any weekend in September of this year, other than Labor Day weekend.

Dinner with Alan Alda

Perhaps best known for his iconic portrayal of Hawkeye Pierce in the classic television show M*A*S*H, Alan Alda will serve as our Master Teacher for this year’s Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program, running July 21 – July 28. The week Mr. Alda is at Ten Chimneys will be very full, to be sure, however, he has graciously agreed to serve as the guest of honor at a very private dinner soiree hosted by a prominent nationally known business titan. You and a guest may be part of this intimate evening which will take place in the home of our gracious host on Tuesday, July 23, 2013.