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Janet Cone, Susan Leonard, Donna Lewis, and Barbara McKay at The Denim Ball at Camp Yonahnoka at the Linville Golf Club. Photo by Taylored Images Nearly 250 guests dined, danced, admired the mountain views, and bid in auctions during the seventh annual Denim Ball on Sept. 5 at Camp Yonahnoka at the Linville Golf Club in Linville, N.C. Thanks to the generosity of guests, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation raised more than $245,000 to fund improvements at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock.
Gifts will help fund the repair and replacement of plaster ceilings inside Flat Top Manor, construction of an ADA-compliant ramp at Bass Lake’s loop trail, and other critical projects at the estate created by Moses and Bertha Cone in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“The scenic estate draws thousands of visitors each year who enjoy horseback riding on the carriage roads, appreciate the architecture and history of Flat Top Manor, and explore the scenic beauty along the walking paths,” said Jordan Calaway, Chief Development Officer for the Foundation. “This event provides an opportunity for community members to give back to this destination within the national park and help meet the challenges associated with the care of the 3,500-acre estate.”
Guests elevated denim attire to new heights for the celebration, which featured live music by the band Continental Divide, a dinner of delicious mountain-inspired cuisine, dancing, drinks, and live and silent auctions. Foundation trustee Greg Andeck, CEO Carolyn Ward, and Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout addressed the group.
“The Blue Ridge Parkway is not just the most visited national park in the country, this is our home,” Ward said. “We are honored that you are here tonight to help ensure Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, a gem along the 469-mile route, is here for future generations.”
Anonymous donors created a matching challenge to inspire guests; all funds raised up to $100,000 will be doubled dollar for dollar. The match has been extended to allow others to have their donations matched to complete repairs and enhancements at the former country estate. Those who would like to give can visit BRPFoundation.org/denimballmatch.
The event was sponsored by Forever Mountain LLC, Mast General Store, The Rosemyr Corporation, and Well-Spring, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Blowing Rock Brewing, Booneshine Brewing Co., Pink House Alchemy, and Sunset & Vine.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beginning in 1897, the Cones carefully created an impressive country estate featuring carriage trails, lakes, orchards, fields, and forests that they shared with the public. The estate became part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1949.