It will be “Springtime in Paris” for Foundation’s Spring Event

It will be “Springtime in Paris” for Foundation’s Spring Event

TROY – Bonjour, mes amis!  Vous êtes invités à un événement spécial. 

In other words, friends, you are invited to a special event. It will take place on April 10, when guests at the annual FirstHealth Montgomery Foundation Spring Event step into the James H. Garner Center in Troy and “Paris, the City of Lights.”

The “Springtime in Paris” fundraiser will feature live music, live and silent auctions, and French-inspired cuisine. Black tie attire is optional; berets are acceptable.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $50 per person, and all proceeds will benefit the FirstHealth Montgomery School Health Centers at East and West Middle schools. 

“It has been fun to organize the plans for this event,” says event chair Tricia Webb. “We have worked hard to create a special evening that will transport our guests ‘across the ocean’ to experience a unique culture without ever leaving Montgomery County. Best of all, you can enjoy it in the company of close friends, all while raising funds for a very worthwhile cause. It’ll be the perfect recipe for an elegant evening.”

On arrival, guests will stroll down the “Champs Elysees” for a view of “la Tour Eiffel” (the Eiffel Tower), as well as many other decidedly French decorations. The Steve Menendez Band will provide live music with a broad appeal.

The menu for the evening will highlight such palette-pleasers as Aspereges Sauce Maltaise (Asparagus in Orange Sauce), Salade de Salmon fume l'aneth (Smoked Salmon Salad with Dill), Coq au Vin (Chicken Braised in Wine), Tournedos Rossini (Filet Mignon with Mushrooms), various pattiseries (pastries) and, of course, French Roast Coffee. 

“To celebrate the artistry commonly associated with France, we have added a very special aspect to our auction this year,” says Webb. “Various local artists, 15 in all, have been asked to produce a painting for the event.  These pieces will be available for purchase through the silent auction. Because of their enthusiasm about the benefit, some artists actually contributed more than one piece of art.”

Live auction items will include:

• A trip to Montreal, Canada 
• A French dinner for 20
• A night of music, entertainment, dessert and coffee
• A murder mystery party 
• French wine and champagne

Items available in the silent auction will include pottery, wine, artwork, French soaps and hand-blown glass items.

Back by popular demand, artist Chuck Lunney of Whispering Pines will offer on-site caricatures—quick, cartoon-like sketches that exaggerate the features of his subjects.  The art is meant to be a fun, humorous souvenir of this special event.