Ragdale to host annual 'Novel Affair' fundraiser
Ragdale's 10th annual "Novel Affair" brings together renowned authors and artists for two evenings of creativity and conversation in support of Ragdale, the artists' retreat in Lake Forest.
The weekend begins with a reception attended by 13 featured authors and artists in the home of Sandy and Roger Deromedi in Lake Forest Friday, April 29.
Guests will share an intimate dinner and lively discussion with two or more of the writers or artists at a distinctive private home Saturday, April 30.
With the 2016 stellar cast of multitalented, best-selling and award-winning artists and authors, Novel Affair will feature the return of its founding authors - Jane Hamilton, Anne LeClaire, and Gail Tsukiyama. Book-lovers of mystery, drama and crime will be enthralled with the award-winning novels of Thomas Cook, Charles Finch, and Casey Sherman.
Best-selling author and neuroscientist Lisa Genova, Bosnian-born MacArthur Genius Award winner Aleksandar Hemon, Oprah-selected novelist Jacquelyn Mitchard, and rising star young adult novelist and professor Kat Falls finish the list of visiting authors.
For theater and art enthusiasts, dine with Robert Falls, director of the Goodman Theatre, or visual artists and "Chicagoans of the Year" Indira Johnson and Sabina Ott.
Friday begins at 5:30 p.m. with a VIP champagne reception with featured writers and artists, with an optional tour of the recently restored ravine, followed by general admission at 6:30 p.m. The Deromedi residence is in Lake Forest and valet parking is available.
On Saturday, dinners begin at 6:30 p.m. at notable homes and venues on the North Shore.
Tickets for Friday evening are $275 for the VIP champagne reception and $200 general admission. This year, for the first time, guests may purchase Saturday-only tickets at $300. The two-evening ticket at $500 includes the Friday VIP reception and preference for the first choice selection of the Saturday dinner party.
Novel Affair is co-chaired by Dustin O'Regan, board trustees Sandra Deromedi and Jeanna Park, and coordinated by Ragdale's Events Committee.
For reservations and more information, call (847) 234-1063 or visit www.ragdale.org.