GREENSBORO — The gardens of Irene and Charles Miller in Milledgeville created a wonderful ambiance of outdoor dining, dancing, and philanthropy on Sunday, Sept. 14. More than 250 guests enjoyed an evening highlighting the tastes of Georgia while supporting the Oconee Performing Arts Society’s (OPAS) Education Programs.

As guests entered the “Great Lawn” of the Miller’s estate, they were treated to a tasting of wine, beer, spirits, and food from Georgia vineyards, breweries, and restaurants while Georgia-based Pioneer Chicken Stand Band entertained. Vendors at the tasting included The Oconee Cellar, Terrapin, SweetWater, Three Taverns Craft Beers, Eagle Rock, Wild Heaven Craft Beer, Yonah Mountain Vineyards, Savannah Distributing Co., Georgia’s Bistro, Blue Culina, Cindy Lutini Catering, Da Corrado Ristorante, and Aubri Lanes.

A family style dinner in the “Formal Lawn” followed with rustic, handmade chandeliers and strings of lights illuminating the rows of farm tables. Guests dined on a wonderful meal prepared by Jason Medders, chef and owner of Aubri Lanes restaurant in Milledgeville. Medders took special care that the menu was sourced from local farms, stating “We are fortunate to live in an area of Georgia where we have access to local purveyors who live and farm within a hundred mile radius of us. All of the foods served are staples here in the south. Our goal for the dinner was to pay homage to the past while staying firmly rooted in the present with our presentation.” The evening concluded with dancing to Georgia band, Men of Distinction, in the “Pool Terrace” garden.

The live and silent auction along with a wine cellar raffle were instrumental in raising the funds needed for the performing arts programs that OPAS presents to local students. Each school year, over 3,000 students in grades K-12 from all schools in Putnam and Greene County have the opportunity to experience the performing arts. This school year, students who might otherwise have very limited access to performing arts, especially with declining state and federal support for arts education, will be able to learn American History with Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop puppet show, experience African culture from African dance and acrobatic group, Cirque Zuma Zuma, and enjoy Hansel and Gretel from the University of Georgia’s Opera department.

Jeffrey Wells, OPAS artistic director, is grateful for the generosity of the Lake Oconee Community, stating, “Under the direction of co-chairs, Blair Brown and Pat Welch, and the OPAS Committee dell’ Arte, along with OPAS Business Director, Ginger DiMascio, the community came together to make a brighter future for arts education. We very much appreciate the generosity of Irene and Charles Miller for hosting this event in their beautiful gardens, a setting like no other. The restaurants and caterers who participated outdid themselves and created a gastronomic playground of esthetically beautiful and delicious treats. Also, a big thank you goes out to Jason Medders and his fantastic staff from Aubri Lanes. We also want to recognize Oconee Event Rentals, Classic Wines, The Oconee Cellar, Flowers by Kent Duffy, Robin Bish Photography, Le Petite Jardin, the many businesses and individuals who donated auction items, the countless volunteers, and the generous sponsors and guests who helped make the event a huge success.”

OPAS would also like to thank the following:

Sponsors: Carol and Mike Lynch, Leslie and Skip Flint, Jane Hutterly and Louie Seabolt, Shannon and Peter Candler, DreamBuilt LLC, Mary and Gene Elzy, Patricia and David Goldrich, Lake Country Interior Designs, Kara and Ayal Latz, Reynolds Plantation, and Anne and Jim Sorensen.

Auction Donors: Neena Amin, Chuck Anthony, Carol and Lee Arberg, Aurum Jewelry, Jerry Crow, Peter Dale, Stan Mullins, Mary Engle, and Rebecca Wood, Count Dubois, Georgia Butts, Georgia Zoo and Safari Park, Zeb Grant and Kevin O’Sullivan, Harmony Pet Resort, Jason Medders, Irene and Charles Miller, Paper Soiree, Pounders Seafood, Maxine and Dennis Pepin, Pike’s Nursery, Oconee Event Rentals, Anne and Jim Sorensen, TaylorMade Kingdom, The Inn at Serenbe, and The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead.

Wine Raffle Donors: Carol and Lee Arberg, Sherry Turner and Mike Atkins, Maxine and Ross Cooper, Jan and Carlton Curtis, Leslie and Skip Flint, Kathryn and Ray Handlan, Carol and Mike Lynch, Freddy and Jim Meindl, Jane Hutterly and Louie Seabolt, Anne and Jim Sorensen, Julie and Rick von Haam, Janet and Tommy Warner, Pat and Alan Welch, and Holly and Rick Wolfert.