For those who love to spend time outdoors in the warm weather, a dream summer evening may look something like this: a refreshing stroll through gardens, followed by a delicious, old-fashioned pig roast, topped with a lively dance with friends and neighbors. If you’re looking for a unique, fun-filled summer event that also contributes to a good cause, Elawa Farm’s annual benefit is the perfect choice.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 23, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Guests can expect the same southern-style barbeque pig roast that was such a big hit at last year’s benefit. “Everyone had such positive comments regarding the pig roast theme, so we decided we’d continue with it this year,” says Elawa Farm Associate Board President Matt Alghini. After indulging in the delicious dinner catered by Froggy’s in Highwood, guests will be free to enjoy the farm’s lush gardens and beautiful scenery. Even those who attended the event last year can expect to see the substantial growth and improvement of the gardens and grounds, according to Matt.
As the evening continues, the band ROLLOVER will provide music for the dance. Louie Zagoras, founder and lead singer/guitarist, is internationally renowned for his musical talent. The band has a “roots rock meets the blues” sound and is inspired by artists such as Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers Band, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, and Tom Petty. Guests can pause their dancing for perhaps the most memorable part of the evening: watching the sun set on the horizon.
Though the annual benefit was hugely popular last year, the Associate Board expects even more people in attendance this year. As the most important fundraiser of the year for the Elawa Farm Foundation, the event serves a critical purpose: providing financial support for the farm and its array of educational programs. The farm features several classrooms, where School District 67 holds classes for students during the fall and spring. The classrooms, as well as the original hay barn, are also available for rent for special programs and events. More recently, renowned chef Gale Gand began hosting cooking classes for both adults and children at the farm’s newly renovated kitchen.
Elawa Farm itself has become a significant fixture for Lake Forest and Lake Bluff residents. Aside from its idyllic charm, it serves as a resource for locally grown food. The farm’s garden market, which begins this month, offers an array of healthy produce. So whether you’re attending the Associate Board’s annual benefit, signing up your child for one of the farm’s many classes, or buying fresh produce at the garden market, you can rest assured that you are supporting a valuable and well-regarded part of the community.
Elawa Farm is located at 1401 Middlefork Drive in Lake Forest. Individual tickets for the annual benefit on June 23 are available for $85; donor tickets are $125 each. For more information or to order tickets, call 847-234-1966, or visit elawafarm.org.
—Jenna Schubert
