The Huntington Society of Fellows Celebrate 50 Years at the Huntington Ball

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens held its 2023 Huntington Ball on Saturday evening, September 9. The event helped to bolster The Huntington’s core mission of encouraging research and education in the arts, humanities, and botanical sciences. This year, The Huntington Ball celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Society of Fellows, a philanthropic community generating unrestricted operating support essential for maintaining The Huntington’s botanical, art, and library collections, and education and research programs. The black-tie gala brought together over 400 guests to the Huntington in San Marino.

To commemorate the Society of Fellow’s founding in 1973, the evening was inspired by the 70s. Food was provided by Untitled Events, and the menu featured retro classics like green bean and pea salad with butter lettuce and buttermilk ranch. The main course was a play on “Hamburger Helper” made with braised beef short rib, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes on the vine. Vegan and vegetarian alternatives were available on request. The meal was complete with a Watergate salad with pistachio pudding, pineapple, mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and maraschino cherry.

Guests were welcomed by Huntington President Karen R. Lawrence, who thanked the Society of Fellows and reflected on The Huntington’s growth and future. West Coast Music entertained guests with a live performance by a 12-piece band. Following dessert, dancing and after-dinner cocktails continued well into the night.

For more information on Society of Fellows visit www.huntington.org/society-fellows. For more information about The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens and its programs visit www.huntington.org.