First Lady Crissy Haslam Hosts 6th Biennial First Lady’s Luncheon

Private fundraising event benefits the Tennessee Executive Residence

NASHVILLE – First Lady Crissy Haslam today hosted the 6th biennial First Lady’s Luncheon to benefit the Tennessee Residence Foundation, which raises private funds for renovation and restoration projects of the Tennessee Executive Residence.  

More than 650 men and women from across the state today joined Governor and Mrs. Haslam for lunch on the lawn to support the final phase of the Tennessee Residence landscape project, focused on underplanting the property. Guests enjoyed touring the home and grounds, entertainment performed by musician and Nashville cast member Chip Esten, and remarks from keynote speaker Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living magazine.

 “This home has greatly benefited from the many Tennesseans who have invested in preserving the beauty, history, and stately traditions at the Tennessee Residence,” First Lady Haslam said. “Our state’s executive residence is among the most beautiful in the nation, and we can all take pride in this place that represents nearly 90 years of unique Tennessee history.”

Beginning in 2011, First Lady Haslam began a renovation project to bring the residence grounds back to their original health and Colonial Revival design of the 1930s. To date, project accomplishments include the restoration of the historic lily pond garden, the entrance to Conservation Hall, the Great Lawn, a kitchen and cutting garden, and the construction of a green house.

Visitors to the Tennessee Residence can now see a great example of healthy farm-to-table eating and sustainability, as the kitchen and cutting garden grows a wide variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs and fresh flowers to use in the home.  Through a student field trip program, the garden also serves as a classroom for young visitors to learn about healthy eating, science, problem-solving, sustainability and the environment.

“Bill and I are proud to carry out this project to enhance the beauty of the property, as well as enrich the cultural experience of visiting the home and grounds,” First Lady Haslam said. “It is important to us to be good stewards of the property, so that future generations can enjoy Tennessee’s home.”

The Tennessee Executive Residence Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created to raise and spend funds for the renovation, restoration, reconstruction, expansion, and upkeep of the Tennessee Residence. For more information about the landscape renovation project, visit http://www.tn.gov/firstlady.