Pennsylvania Longwood Gardens Hosts Rotary Club’s Gatsby Garden Party

Iconic Gatsby font brings Art Deco elegance and style to the gala invite.

“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit; stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, and there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”

~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

Francis Scott Fitzgerald is correct in his assertion that it’s never too late or too early to be whoever you want to be. This I know because I managed, in the course of a single afternoon, to transform myself from typical comfort-clothed, inveterate-reading homebody into some semblance of a Gatsby gal a la Daisy Buchanan–and all in time to attend Longwood Rotary Club‘s 2023 annual gala, its Gatsby Garden Party.

Join me here in my recap of an evening spent as a flapper girl in Kennett Square‘s Longwood Gardens! And if you enjoy this summary, consider securing your tickets today for the 2024 gala, which follows an Alice in Wonderland theme and is billed as Rotary in Wonderland.

The 2023 fundraiser was hands down one of the best galas I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. I’ve been writing about such events some seven years now, so landing gold, silver or bronze status from this writer is significant (read and repeat: get your tickets stat at The Rotary Club of Longwood Foundation – RCLF Gala 2024 (bidpal.net).

Not being much of a Roaring Twenties-era fangirl, I had nothing remotely flappable in my wardrobe that would pass for the “razzle dazzle” attire suggested on the beautifully rendered invitation sent me by my gracious hosts. I am, however, well-versed in last-minute syndrome and can manage to deliver the goods in any 11th-hour situation.

First stop, Target, where I spied a spaghetti-strapping red dress that fit the flapper bill with perfect asymmetrical hemline. A long strand of pearls was another Target get. I do recall glitz being good and found a shimmery gold wrap at home. Added a gold evening bag and chunky pair of gold heels from Marshalls, then was good to go. Not perfect but then I well know that perfect is the enemy of good.

Unbelievably, I’d never been to Longwood Gardens until this very soiree. I can only wag my head in wonder how I’d all along missed the memo about these stunning botanical gardens located in Chester County‘s Kennett Square and receiving some 1.5 million visitors annually. And it’s ranked first (according to Fodor’s Travel) among 12 of the best such gardens in the nation, which renders my absence even more inexplicable.

Still, for my inaugural visit, the Gatsby Garden Party was truly like something out of a dream. I felt even more like Daisy Buchanan than ever on arrival, throughout the entire evening and when dropped at my hotel by party two very kind party guests. It was a pinch-me night, and I literally felt as if I were floating and transported.

My very charming host (as well as gala co-chair) greeted me warmly at the check-in area, after which I was directed to the party bus that felt very much like some Cinderella pumpkin carriage and which transported me to the fantastical and breathtaking Main Conservatory at Longwood Gardens. I accepted a welcoming house sparkling wine served in a coupe glass.

And since I’d made the scene early, I was blissfully alone and could wander aimlessly at will, taking in the depth and breadth of a magical fantasy world with me, myself and I. Others soon began to file in, disturbing my solitary reverie in the best way, for all were decked out to the nines in Roaring Twenties garb that seemed direct from some high-budget movie wardrobe. I am not in the least bit exaggerating. These attendees took their invite directive to razzle and dazzle 20’s-style to a Spinal Tap-like “eleven.”

I watched as the couples and groups checked coats and sauntered past me. Everyone and everything were decidedly on point–so much so that I found myself scouting the beautiful people, certain that Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby would reveal himself in short order and whisk me into the spacious ballroom, where guests had procured cocktails and had begun to peruse the spectacularly adorned auction tables laden with enticing items ripe and ready for the bidding.

And speaking of ripe and ready to sip a lovely cocktail, I noticed guests were wending their way to the area where food and drink stations were staged and immediately followed suit. While pretty much anything was available for the pour at the bar stations, I was keen to try the signature offering a.k.a. Gatsby Cocktail with Grey Goose Vodka, Lillet Blanc and Grapefruit. It was sublime: cold and sweet while redolent with citrus. So sip-worthy and with a very nice pour. Lovely color as well. Reminiscent shade of pink grapefruit, actually.

Also stocked were bar standards Absolut, Tanqueray, Bacardi, Seagram’s VO, Dewars, Jack Daniels, Jim Beam and Jose Cuervo along with other fan-fav selections–local beer, house red and white wines and non-alcoholic fare.

The food stations were seemingly endless and arranged in pleasing and easy to navigate fashion. Before plating, I’d located my table, where champagne bottles chilled in ice buckets and where I staked a spot before returning to said food stations to heap my plate with sumptuous offerings. Massive bowls of very festive-looking salads chockful of edible flowers and super-colorful ingredients tempted.

The small bites were plentiful in variety and included tantalizing tidbits such as Miniature Lump Crab Cake with Citrus Mustard Sauce, Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Crostini and Tomato Horseradish Marmalade, Savory Mushroom and Parmesan Palmier and Sweet Potato Fritter with Pomegranate Meyer Lemon Aioli.

When I made mention of the scope of the eatables’ areas, I was not exaggerating in the least. The yum zones were partitioned between “Roaring 20’s” and “Land & Sea.” As I’m writing this recap of the evening, I also happen to be watching Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby on the Netflix release of the 2013 film, The Great Gatsby. Even the Man (Jay) himself would’ve been in awe of the lavish offerings of food, drink, entertainment, guests; supreme fashion statements and especially the unparalleled opulence of the Conservancy at Longwood Gardens. Can’t get any more Gatsby grand for a location choice. Well-played by Longwood Rotary Club.

I began plating my meal at the Roaring 20’s station, which proffered Chilled Sweet Pea Soup Shooters with Creme Fraiche with Black Pepper Grissini, Local Mixed Greens with Shaved Heirloom Carrots, Green Apple, Candied Pecans, Aged Sherry Vinaigrette, Seared Butter Poached Filet of Beef with Port Reduction and Oyster and Cremini Mushrooms, Bourbon Glazed Country Ham with Blood Orange Marmalade, Parmesan Duchess Potatoes and Roasted Rainbow Brassicas. That foodie-fond enumeration is a figurative and literal mouthful!

The Land & Sea landscape featured Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Crispy Shallots and Fine Herbs, Roasted Salmon Slow Cooked with Fennel Garlic and Wine, Kennett Square Mushroom Risotto with Shaved Parmesan and Micro Parsley, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Winter Greens Salad with Pear, Pomegranate and Candied Pecans. As you can no doubt surmise, and with such an abundance of epicurean choices, several back-and-forth trips were required during my repast.

After such an extraordinary feast fit for this foodie, would you believe I’m still going to mention the dessert offerings? But of course! This is not Europe; we’re not talking about a slice of cheese and a touch of pear or apple in the aftermath of a Gatsby-level (that is, Next Level!) dining experience. On the sweet-treat scene, the following delectable and stunning array faced me: Dark Chocolate Pot de Creme with Candied Orange and Gran Marnier Whipped Cream, Petite Lemon Tarts with Toasted Swiss Meringue and Spiced Bourbon Pecan Tart with Milk Chocolate Cream.

While dining, guests were again welcomed and enjoyed hearing more about the Rotary Club’s mission from principals including President Steve Maley. They also viewed–on an emblazoned screen–the Silent Auction’s monies’ tally from the bidding. How wonderful to watch as the number continued to increase. It was an exceedingly generous group and a massively successful fundraiser. But isn’t that the Rotoarian way?

According to President Maley, “this year’s event–coinciding with the 25th anniversary of our Club–is intended to be not just a celebration of Rotary and the causes we support, but also as a true coming together of all the incredible people and organizations that make our Greater Kennett community such a wonderful place to live and work. Proceeds from our Gala go towards the continued charitable work of our Foundation, and it is your generosity that enables our Club to make great things happen.”

Did you know that the Rotary Club of Longwood Foundation is part of a Network of 50 Rotary Club in the Philadelphia area? Furthermore, it was chartered in 1997 and “includes 100 businesses and professional leaders dedicated to carrying out Rotary International’s vision of Service Above Self.” Specifically, funds raised remain in the community to aid local causes, emphasizing food, housing and education for the needy. The Rotary Club of Longwood goes above and beyond donations. Also central to their mission is a hands-on approach, with hundreds of hours yearly logged by volunteers.

At some point, encouraged by the evening’s featured entertainment, one brave couple christened the dance floor, and said entertainment, Good Shot Judy (who bill themselves as “The Mid-Atlantic’s No. 1 High Octane Swing Band!”) notched up the “swing and the swagger.” Others soon joined to let loose and break into the Charleston and other up-tempo sophisticated dance moves. As well as nailing the flapper fashion, this group could wave arms and shuffle feet like 20’s era’s professionals. Even those who didn’t own the dance groove of the times weren’t deterred from enjoying themselves. Everyone displayed his or her own flex and pace. Dancing is all about freedom of expression, and a carefree spirit with limitless possibility was most assuredly on display.

The selfie station–always a gala staple–was as in full swing as was the dance floor. The usual goofy accoutrements were available, and guests laughingly grabbed signs and more, then preened and posed as a photographer clicked away. The end result was a pictorial postcard of three memorable shots for each guest to take home.

At evening’s end and when dropped at my hotel, I was eager to lose the girlie clothing and trappings, to return to fleecy comfort, which I immediately did. Curled up in a warm bed in a cozy room, I found my thoughts returning to the many details about this fabulous party. Honestly, and what I recall most are the connections I made when interacting with Rotary Club members–such warm and caring humans who do so much for so many!

The geared wheel has long been the Rotarian logo and has significant history and meaning.

Gala co-chair Rob Newman welcomes attendees.

From Left, Longwood Rotary Foundation President Steven Maley poses with gala co-chairs Robin Newman and Rob Newman.

From Left, gala co-chair Robin Newman and Longwood Rotary Foundation President Steven Maley beam in anticipation of the evening ahead.

Guests peruse silent auction table offerings.

Auction item boasts curious “hangover drops.”

Dazzling floral displays were well represented and spaced amid auction items.

This quartet really captured the sartorial essence of all that jazz age finery.

You, too, can live the Gatsby lifestyle.

Write like the Man with this starter kit!

From head to toe, ladies flex Gatsby glam and elegance.

Poised and posed at auction table, this trio enjoys cocktails.

Flapper, Gatsby, Roaring 20’s … this lady pulled off the style trifecta.

While football is not my jam, I’m aware that this player’s jersey merits auction-item worthiness.

Sharon Kozden and guest give their best golden glows.

Rarely do I have a cocktail with grapefruit as an ingredient; however, this was a pleasant surprise. Vive les Pamplemousses!

Did you know that Gossett is the oldest wine house in Champagne? Crack open the bubbly!

Pearls, sequins, fringe and more graced the tables along with gorgeously plated foodstuffs.

A fur is casually draped on a chair back with Gatsby verve and nonchalance.

Between the floral bouquets, the food and the fashion, elegance reigned in extremis.

This gorgeous meal was easily my favorite entree of 2023, hands down and forks up. And I’m a Foodie, so that’s saying something.

And always with the pearly whites … looking fab, Ladies.

This couple are clearly enjoying the moment and why not? It was an evening to remember for the long term.

Always with the meat … but typically only when dining out, which then makes it a rare (actually a medium-rare treat).

Dapper dude and dazzling dame take in the scene.

This duo exhibits twinning colors, looks and vibes.

Presentation is everything as evidenced by this perfectly garnished ham platter.

While pearls were a mainstay, the ladies of this evening really managed to individually express themselves with accessories.

A trio of guests look sharp and shimmery in their Gatsby finery.

And that number just kept on rising all evening long.

This salad looks as if it belongs at the Philadelphia Flower Show–it’s that colorful, beautiful and exquisite … not to mention oh, so tasty.

I was able to spend a few minutes chatting with these lovely folks; I remember our talk left an impression on me.

Sharing pearls of wisdom?

Dainty, delicate and delicious, these sweet treats hit the spot.

Good Shot Judy brought “the swing and the swagger.”

Bandleader and emcee Brett Cahoon is super talented and charismatic.

Good Shot Judy bills themselves as “The Mid-Atlantic’s No. 1 High Octane Swing Band!” They delivered.

This lovely couple gave me a ride to the hotel in Kennett Square that I overnighted at after the party. So very many genuinely nice people, I discovered, are Rotary Club-associated.