The Swan Ball 2024 Auction Party was held at Belle Meade Country Club, where hundreds of people gathered for the fundraiser to benefit Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.

The Swan Ball chairs were Sally Nesbitt and Carolyn Taylor, and the auction chairs were Allison DeMarcus, Allison Schaufele and Mary Jo Shankle. The auction party chairs were Paula and Robert Kinard and Phyllis and David Vandewater, and Dance Committee chairs were Catherine Bradbury and Abby Granbery.

The live auction was conducted by Jamie McDonald, an award-winning podcast host, fundraiser and presenter. Based in New York, McDonald has spent the last eight years on stage helping numerous charities raise millions of dollars for their organizations throughout the U.S.

The Auction Party is a separate event preceding the Swan Ball, and was presented with the latest in auction bidding technology, using highly visible plasma monitors throughout the venue with all bidding placed on-line through Clickbid on smart phones or tablets, or via a Dance Committee member.

The Swan Ball Auction has been the sole venue for many years for bidding on the trips, experiences and treasures offered in the live auction.

In keeping with the invitation’s enchanted garden theme, the club was decorated by Ostara Gardens, with lovely seasonal florals in shades of pink, coral and green.

The live auction was held outside under a clear tent. White St. Tropez sofas accented with pillows covered in colorful florals provided seating, as well as round tables of ten.

When guests arrived, they visited one of the bars for a cocktail and began perusing the silent auction, which offered trips to Ireland, South Africa, England, Rome, Greece, Mexico, France and other wonderful places. There also were domestic trips to Utah, Georgia, Chicago, Idaho, Miami, Canyon Ranch, California, Florida, Colorado, Montana, and additional desirable destinations.

Also up for bid were a songwriters’ night with Amy Grant, a private trip with the Titans, a party for 24, exclusive dining for 30 at Cafe 100, and other special experiences.

The delicious menu offered shrimp and grits, chicken and cheeseburger sliders, brisket on steamed buns, fried oysters, country ham biscuits, mini Ahi tuna tacos, and much more.

Supporters included: Jon Nesbitt, Steve Taylor, Elizabeth and Donnie Nichols, Amy Liz and John Riddick, Patti and Brian Smallwood, Sissy and Bill Wilson, Katie and Kevin Crumbo, Larry Trabue, Heather and Scott Asbury, Mara Papatheodorou, Jim Berkeley, Natalie and George Clements, Denise Cummins, Allen DeCuyper, Steve Sirls, Carrie Playfair, Linda Raymer, Julianne and Jeff Williams, Laura and John Reed, Julie and John Schneider, Melanie and Darrin Yappen, Neel and Graham Young, Paula Bennett, Amanda and Thomas Beck, Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek, Sara and Richard Bovender, Debbie and Summer Bryan, Louise and John Bryan, Susan Chapman, Caroline and Burk Lindsey, Monica and Alec McDougall, Tricia and Doug McDowell, Felice and Spook Oldacre, Elizabeth and Larry Papel, and Sharon and Todd Sandah.