‘Gilded Evening in the Gardens of Versailles’ for Discovery Center Fundraiser

In honor of Discovery Center’s 35th year and 30th year hosting the Secret Garden Party, guests are invited to a decadent celebration of “A Gilded Evening in the Gardens of Versailles” hosted at Sharon and Dr. Mural Kolli’s breathtaking Northwoods home on Friday, June 3, at 6 p.m. The popular annual event features an elegant banquet of experiences this year, including fine foods, exquisite sweets, and tantalizing auction items benefitting the museum’s mission of engaging curious minds.

Tickets and information are available at explorethedc.org/sgp.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating our 30th Secret Garden Party plus 35 years of happy memories that families have experienced here at Discovery Center,” says Discovery Center CEO Tara MacDougall. “Proceeds from this annual event are critical in supporting our innovative programs, exhibits and outreach that help us engage our most precious asset – our children. The impact of our work would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and donors.”

“Investing in the next generation takes everyone’s involvement,” says event co-chair Maegan Snyder. “This special event is more than just a fun night out; it’s a tangible way to directly invest in the children of our local community and will make a difference for years to come.”

The evening will be styled by Becca George and Jessie Pinson of Modern Vintage Events, whose creative visions have shaped several of the parties’ stunning themes in the past.

This year’s auction will continue the luxury theme with getaway packages to Nashville, Miramar Beach, and the Smoky Mountains, as well as high-end goods like Yeti gear and specialty liquors.

In addition to the lush festivities, Discovery Center is proud to announce the 2022 Secret Garden Party Honorees will be Dr. Susan Andrews and Dr. Randall Rickard, in thanks for their support of time and treasure to Discovery Center over the past 35 years. Susan served as one of the first Presidents of the Discovery Center Board of Directors, and she played a major role in the museum’s early development.

Andrews says they have supported Discovery Center from the beginning because “Our children and now our grandchildren have spent many hours at the museum learning through play. Seeing all kinds of children – all ages, abilities, ethnicities and nationalities – enjoying and exploring has been rewarding, too. The Discovery Center is one of the reasons that Murfreesboro is such a great place to raise children.”

The evening precedes the weekend’s “Secret Garden Tour” showcase June 4-5, an inspiring collection of hidden gardens throughout the city, benefitting Discovery Center. Featured gardens include those of Margaret and Jim Smith, Mardi Hull, and the Master Gardener at Lane Agri-Park.

Sponsorships for “A Gilded Evening in the Gardens of Versailles” and the Secret Garden Party events may be arranged by emailing Lindsey Jennings, Vice President of Philanthropy, at ljennings@explorethedc.org.