The Hobo Ball, the Friends' biggest fundraiser, is a festive and casual evening of the early autumn season. The social hour begins at 6:00 p.m. with complimentary beer and a cash bar, featuring music by the popular Helms Barber Shop Boys on the veranda. After dinner entertainment will be provided by Amici Music with Asheville pianist Dan Weiser and Amanda Horton.

The Hobo-style buffet will include complimentary wine. A silent and live auction will feature an array of donations by both individuals and community businesses. Items include overnight stays in fantastic inns, quilts, art work, photography, jewelry, and much more.

Proceeds from the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and the Hobo Ball support diverse and growing educational programming for youth, school groups and the visiting public at Carl Sandburg Home NHS. The Friends have been tremendous supporters of those areas where no other funding exists. Teacher workshops, education resource materials, the annual student poetry contest and the park's Junior Ranger program are a few examples of recent contributions. Linda Holt, the Friends' Hobo Ball chair, says, "Especially noteworthy is that once more Carl Sandburg Home has had a writer at home." This spring Poet Alice B. Fogel resided in the Historic Farm Manager's House, having been awarded the Carl Sandburg Writer-in-Residence. This was made possible by the generous support provided to past Hobo Balls.

"The Friends have consistently been there in funding the site's education programs and developing the Carl Sandburg Writer-in-Residence. Their support is critical to ensuring school groups, families and all who visit have an enjoyable and meaningful experience," says Connie Backlund, park superintendent.

Sponsors of this year's Hobo Ball are UBS Financial Services Inc., Carolina Village, the C. Rivers Stone Foundation Trust, BMW of Asheville, Mast General Store, Garrison Family Dentistry, Golden Strip Glass, Lake Pointe Landing, Dr. and Mrs. Pete Richards, Pardee Hospital Foundation, Sherri & Ron Metzger, Beverly-Hanks & Associates, Southern Alarm & Security, Strauss and Associates, Feather Your Nest, Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors, Homestead, Mrs. Eleanora W. Meloun, John C. McCormick and James D. Wiley of Wells Fargo Advisors, Mountain 1st Bank and Trust, and in-kind Benefactors Times-News and Kenmure.

"The theme for our evening honors Sandburg's youth and his time exploring our country as a hobo. He worked as a laborer on farms and railroads, and this experience helped define his life-long interest in working people and shaped his writings," shares Kathleen Abbate, Friends' president. In the spirit of a Hobo Ball, dress is casual and denim is certainly popular. Knap sacks are welcomed.

Tickets to the Hobo Ball are $75.00 per person and seating is limited. The social hour begins at 6:00 p.m. at Kenmure Country Club at 100 Clubhouse Drive, Flat Rock, NC. For more information or to secure reservations, please contact Ann Nolan at 828-692-1114 or Linda Holt at 828-698-6670. Additional information is also available at www.friendsofcarlsandburg.org.

(Image provided by Flickr user TheSeafarer.)

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