Carolyn Taylor, Sally Nesbitt
The Swan Ball is Nashville’s premier white-tie event benefiting Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
On June 1, the annual, invitation-only gala will be held on the Swan Lawn at Cheekwood Mansion. It is perhaps the most coveted invitation for the Nashville social set, with only a limited number of invitations and attendees, and the wine, food, and entertainment are always fabulous. Past entertainers have included Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Frankie Valli, Diana Ross, The Pointer Sisters, and Kool & The Gang. This year, Old Crow Medicine Show will take the stage for what is sure to be an unforgettable performance. To be asked to chair the Swan Ball is a high honor indeed, and we are delighted to introduce you to the beloved chairs for this year’s gala, Sally Nesbitt and Carolyn Taylor. (swanball.com)
Nashville Lifestyles: What made you want to chair the Swan Ball?
Sally Nesbitt and Carolyn Taylor: We both accepted the role for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, we are big fans of Cheekwood, the beneficiary of the Swan Ball. It’s a wonderful gift to Nashville, and our families have personally benefited, as we took our young children there to explore the beautiful gardens and to take art classes in the summer. Beyond loving the cause, we were both honored to be asked and hoped that we could find a way to bring whatever creativity and knowledge we have to the task. We also knew it would be fun to work with each other and the many wonderful people who give their time and considerable talent to the Swan Ball. We have not been disappointed!
NL: How are the funds raised from the event utilized and how much has been raised over the years?
SN and CT: Since the inaugural event in 1963, the Swan Ball has raised tens of millions of dollars, and the funds go directly to the operating expenses of Cheekwood. None of the wonderful programs that Cheekwood offers can be available if the lights aren’t on and the grounds aren’t maintained.
NL: Why do you think supporting Cheekwood is important and why it is vital to our community?
SN and CT: Cheekwood offers powerful opportunities to ignite curiosity, drive creativity, and educate people of all ages in a surprising array of disciplines. Cheekwood is a living museum that embodies the history of the American Country Place Era during which it emerged because of wealth generated by the Industrial Revolution at the turn of the 20th century. It’s one thing to sit in a classroom and learn about the Industrial Revolution; it’s another to visit Cheekwood and imagine what the times must have been like. Curiosity is vital to the growth and creativity of our minds and our wellness. Children of all ages delight in Cheekwood’s Enchanted Express train station, which combines the architecture of a traditional train depot with the natural form of an old tree. The Frist Learning Center at Cheekwood provides fertile ground for budding artists, craftsmen, and gardeners to learn from skilled instructors. Equally vital is the restorative respite that Cheekwood’s sprawling gardens offer us for both education and play. There is a delightful surprise around every corner.
NL: What in your background most prepared you to chair an event of this magnitude?
SN and CT: We both have benefited from terrific educational opportunities in college and grad school, but if we have anything going for us, we’ve probably just learned it through watching and learning from life’s experiences and talented friends in the community.
NL: What inspires you to utilize your time, talents, and treasure to support nonprofits?
SN and CT: We are fortunate to have had the benefit of wonderful educations, husbands, children, and work experiences. We also have equally wonderful friends, without whom we could not do this job. We are working really hard, learning a ton, and being challenged to find solutions that meet expectations while being responsible stewards of donor dollars. We both love puzzles, and this event has a lot of pieces that need to come together in just the right way. The job is fun and rewarding on so many levels.