With spring in full bloom and the light just right, Swan Ball leadership gathered on Wednesday, April 22nd for an elegant cocktail reception to honor the generous supporters helping make Swan Ball 2026 possible. Swan Ball 2026 Chairs Jenny Corts and Jennie Garth Lowe—joined by Underwriters’ Reception Coordinators Melanie Baker and Laura Niewold, the 2025 Swan Ball Chairs—welcomed underwriters and friends to an evening of gratitude, conversation, and celebration.

The reception was held at the gracious Belle Meade home of Swan Ball 1986 co-chair Tooty Bradford, who served as Underwriters’ Reception Host. Her home provided a welcoming backdrop for the evening’s purpose: to officially thank the Swan Ball 2026 underwriters whose contributions support the Ball’s philanthropic mission and longstanding Nashville tradition. Guests arrived in business attire and were greeted by warm hospitality and a lively gathering of familiar faces.

The weather cooperated beautifully—an ideal Nashville spring evening that encouraged lingering conversations and a steady flow between indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Floral designer Mark O’Bryan of The Tulip Tree set the tone with polished, seasonal arrangements that complemented the home’s classic setting. Music from pianist Jasper Cazamento provided a refined soundtrack, elevating the reception while still allowing guests to comfortably mingle.

Kristen Winston Catering curated a menu of passed hors d’oeuvres that struck the perfect balance of classic cocktail-party favorites and fresh, modern bites. Among the standout offerings were Mediterranean chicken salad on a wonton crisp with artichoke and pistachios; mini Beef Wellington; puff pastry squares with mushroom duxelles and Béarnaise; tuna tartare with avocado on crispy rice; mini grilled cheese; and open-faced mini BLTs finished with bacon and basil mayo. With attentive service and a steady rotation of trays, guests were able to sample a little of everything while continuing conversations throughout the evening.

With so many longtime supporters and friends in one place, the reception felt like a true “who’s who” of familiar Swan Ball faces—beautifully dressed, engaged, and clearly happy to be together on such a lovely evening. Attending as a guest of Apphia Maxima’s, I enjoyed catching up with Sylvia Bradbury and Susan Campbell and traded notes on upcoming plans, including Susan’s welcome reminder that Artclectic will take place October 22–24 this year. I also loved visiting with Jana Davis and hearing the latest about her girls’ dance recitals, and I had the chance to chat with Chair Jenny Corts. While I didn’t get time for a full conversation with Chair Jennie Garth Lowe, there were warm greetings across the room.

Little moments made the night especially memorable: Apphia asked Lake Eakin about the origin of her distinctive name (a family name, as it turns out), and Dave and Melissa Mahanes and I made plans for our next movie outing—The Devil Wears Prada 2. I admired Memorie White’s Chanel brooch (and even tried, unsuccessfully, to charm my way into adding it to my own collection). Near the end of the reception, I was glad to connect with LaDonna Boyd, and the evening concluded on a perfect note as LaDonna, Apphia, and I headed to Sperry’s for dinner.

In attendance were Swan Ball 2026 Underwriters’ Reception Host Tooty Bradford, Swan Ball 2026 Underwriters’ Reception Coordinators Melanie Baker with husband David, and Laura Niewold with husband Charlie, Swan Ball 2026 Chair Jenny Corts with husband Andy, and Swan Ball 2026 Chair Jennie Garth Lowe with husband Rob, Chanelle Acheson, Beth Alexander, Melissa Bern, Lee Blank, Kim and Brad Blevins, Jean and Denny Bottorff, LaDonna Boyd, Sylvia Bradbury, Katheryn Brown, Debbie and Summer Bryan, Abbie and Charlie Buffin, Lisa Campbell, Susan Chapman, Erika Claybrook, Amy Colton, Bonnie Cross, Brittany Cross, Denise Cummins, Jana Davis, Mimi and Bill DeCamp, Rob DeCamp, Lorie and Gavin Duke, Lake Eakin, Eric England, Kathleen Estes, Karyn Frist, Emma and Stephen Graw, Peyton Green, Perrin Green, Cordia Harrington, Karly and Clay Hart, Deb Hennessee, Bradley Hickman, Meg Hutchinson, Asif Iqbal, Edie Johnson, Patricia Johnson, Donna Joyner, Jay Joyner, Peggy Kinnard, Janet Kurtz, Deborah and Mike Lovett, Janice Lovvorn, Melissa and Dave Mahanes, Apphina Maxima, Trish McIntosh, Hunter Mobley, Ashley Monachino, Janice and David Morgan, McKenzie Mullins, Anne and Tom Nesbitt, George Oden, Dana and Bond Oman, Billie Jo Parker, Kiara Petrone, Sarah Pickens and Kyle Bransfield , Jane Anne Pilkinton, Jackie and Jason Reed, Candace Reeve, Thomas Roach, Michele and Tim Roberson, Paige and Kevin Roddey, Cathryn and Billy Rolfe, Joe Rowland, Rachel and Stephen Russell, Faith Schreiber, Kirsten and Frank Schriner, Ross Smith, Becky South, Hannah and Nick South, Dan Stephans, Currier Stevens, Pam Taylor, Emily Tidwell, Anne Waddey, Jack Waddey, Tracy and Bill Wade, Bob Walker, Julie Walker, Barby and Govan White, Memorie White, Chip Wilkinson, Sissy and Bill Wilson, Tori and John Wimberly, and Carol and Darryl Yochem.

By the time the last goodbyes were said, it felt like Swan Ball 2026 was already officially underway—sparkling, social, and beautifully organized. From the thoughtful details—flowers, music, and an impeccable menu—to the many warm reunions throughout the home, the Underwriters’ Reception marked an early, meaningful milestone on the road to Swan Ball 2026 and did exactly what it set out to do: shine a light on the underwriters whose generosity sustains this tradition year after year.