The “Trust Party” is an annual gathering at Balsam Mountain Preserve that celebrates our shared values as a community, while fostering the spirit of generosity that is our hallmark. It is an important fundraising source for the Balsam Mountain Trust, our non-profit responsible for conservation of our beautiful land.

The Balsam Mountain Trust is a separate entity from the Community Association and the Club.  The Trust was created at the community’s inception and is supported through donations from generous supporters.

The entire Balsam Mountain Preserve community is invited to the event.  Your friends and family are also welcome.  No need to be a club member to support the Trust at this event.

To reserve your seat for the party you can either purchase online by Clicking Here or you can bring a check to the Nature Center (made out to “Balsam Mountain Trust”). After Sept 13, tickets are $275.

Your $250 per person ticket includes farm-to-table dinner, short program, auctions, entertainment, the use of Doubletop Village, tent rental and staffing to make everything come together. Ticket sales offset expenses related to the party. All party proceeds go directly to Balsam Mountain Trust 501(c)(3) for programming, staffing, animal care, operating expenses, Nature Center exhibits and new projects.

The ticket price was adjusted to reflect the actual per attendee costs of the party.  Included in the cost is a farm-to-table dinner, wine with dinner, a signature cocktail, short program, auctions, entertainment, the use of Doubletop Village, tent rental and staffing to make everything come together.

If you’re unable to attend, please support the Trust by making a donation in lieu of purchasing a ticket. Your donations are always helpful and can be any amount!  For more info about donating to the Trust, see “Donating to the Trust” below.

Community events with limited attendance are always in high demand. This year, we will conduct a random draw for these events to give everyone a fair chance and avoid long waits. Visit the silent auction table during cocktail hour to add your name to the list. At 7:00, we will draw names to decide attendees and notify you during dinner. If more people sign up than available spots, we will start a waiting list. Applies to:

• Grand Ole Opry at Balsam
• Tex-Mex Dinner
• Urban Cowboy Line Dancing Dinner
• Casino Royale at Balsam

Each year, we consider what might be a good fit, and this year it’s time to take a break from an extensive auction to focus on a great meal and different ways to support the Trust’s mission, celebrate and spend time together.

The inaugural 2024 event during the Artist-in-Residence week was a hit, featuring a closing reception and auction that raised significant funds. This series of events not only highlights artistic excellence but also strengthens community bonds and support for the Trust’s mission. Anticipation is high for the upcoming auctions, promising unique experiences for all participants throughout the year.

Keep an eye out for additional auction events that promise to offer something special for everyone, anytime!

We will continue offer exciting auction items including special art, ticketed events, items donated by local businesses and much more!!

Say goodbye to the hassle of long lines for Tex-Mex or Urban Cowboy events! We’ve introduced a new, fair sign-up system to ensure everyone gets a shot at attending their favorite events. Simply add your name to the sign-up list before dinner; there’s no need to show up early or wait in line. We’ll conduct a lottery to select attendees, and you’ll be notified if selected. For instance, if the Urban Cowboy event list has 100 names but only 50 spots, we’ll draw names from a hat to determine the lucky attendees.

There is an emphasis on Fun with this year’s entertainment.  Cocktail demonstration, interactive presentations by our favorite Trust Staff members, live music.

We will be taking a break from a Wine Pull this year.  If you’d like to contribute an extra special bottle, we would be happy to include it in an auction.

Many of our auction items are donated by members of the Balsam community.  If you have an idea or item ready to contribute, please reach out to Spring Rosen.

The limited number of silent auction items will be set-up and open to bidding in advance of the party.  View the items and make your bid any time the week prior to the party.  If needed a proxy at the party can raise your bids! Enlist a friend or neighbor to be your proxy, or if you’d like help connecting to someone to help, reach out to the Trust.

The party is all about fun and FUNraising, so we won’t be collecting money during the evening.  Instead, you’ll receive a summary of your donations and can pay online via credit card or bring a check by the Nature Center.

Surely not! Some partiers will dress a bit more “formally” than a typical Saturday night at the Summit, while some of us will be casual, and all will be comfortable.  You’ll be inside and out – mingling in the Summit House, dining within the fabulous tent, and enjoying a spectacular evening under the stars.  So think ahead and plan to dress however is most fun for you. Layering your clothes provides the best of options; a coat or jacket can be comfortably draped on your dining chair.

The menu for the festive meal is a farm-to-table dinner, featuring fresh ingredients supplied by local producers. Chef Edwin and the Club’s staff have crafted a special menu that highlights the region’s local bounty. Expect a celebration of local flavors and seasonal offerings.

Please look at our website for annual reports and other information about our great work.