The Cairnwood Spring Gala 2008

Cutting Edge Entertainment recently had the honor of being chosen to create the music program and set the mood for a night in Epic France.

On Friday evening, April 18 of 2008, Cairnwood was in all its glory, reminiscent of the delightful parties of Jay Gatsby. Built by John Pitcairn in 1895, Cairnwood sits high on a hill in Bryn Athyn, majestically overlooking Huntingdon Valley. The home itself is a breathtaking French chateau built in the Beaux-Arts style and is truly a shining example of the Gilded Age in which it was built.

Cairnwood invited their honored guests to see the home featured in all its
lavish splendor. The gala was intended to raise money for the facility and I must say, the event was a complete success. The house was aglow in soft pink light with the sounds of music rolling down the lawn as the cocktails flowed and the air was filled with chatter and laughter. There were mimes and caricaturists, French poodles, a living fountain and even Marie Antoinette!

Due to generous donations, Cairnwood will now be able to add/enhance several details true to its original design and make repairs to the front gate on Huntingdon Pike.  One of the most exciting changes will be a historic restoration of elements of the original Olmsted and Eliot landscape design.

The four chair people responsible for the evening’s success were Cairnwood’s Director Evelyn Stephens, marketing manager Shannon Walko, and board members Jennifer Pronesti and Missy Pendelton (who was a great help in designing the music program).

The French-themed cuisine presented by Cairnwood’s preferred partner caterers was out of this world. The Beef Bourguignon from Jimmy Duffy & Sons was mouth watering and the Pate DePoulet prepared by Jeffrey Miller Catering was smooth and tasty. My personal favorite that evening was the Bouride, a northern French fish stew with garlic, onions and cream presented by Culinary Concepts (my mouth still waters just thinking about it). Some of the other preferred caterers were Peachtree & Ward Catering, Robert Fair Caterers, and Max Hansen.  And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more mouth watering, there were delicious pastries provided by Bredenbeck’s bakery to top it all off.

Glorious floral arrangements set the decor and tone throught the home, and the decorative lighting design by Eventions was dramatic, and helped to highlight the very grandeur that is Cairnwood.

The music we chose was a combination of some more traditional French artists (i.e. Maurice Chavalier and Edith Piaf) as well as some Jazz Standards and Ultralounge to set that chill French mood. Sound was run throughout the house with different music playing in two separate designated zones. As the night progressed the music became livelier with an eventual segue into a live band. Again, special thanks to Missy Pendelton for her invaluable help with the music selection.

Thank you to Evelyn and Shannon for including Cutting Edge in your magical night.

Bonsoir!