Raise the Roofs
Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC, will host its second annual “Raise the Roofs” benefit on Saturday, June 15, under a tent at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm, from 4-7 p.m. The fundraiser is being presented by Franklin Synergy Bank, with additional sponsorship by AXA Advisors, Tennessee Equine Hospital, Boyle Investment, Vanderbilt Health, and a host of other sponsors.
“Friends of Franklin Parks has made significant progress toward the goal of protecting and preserving the Park at Harlinsdale, one of our community’s great treasures. Franklin Synergy Bank is proud to sponsor Friends of Franklin Parks’ ‘Raise the Roofs’ again this year to continue this important work,” said Richard Herrington, Franklin Synergy Bank President and CEO.
Tickets are $75 per person or $100 for patrons, who will each receive a special gift. Tables of eight or 10 are available, as well as additional sponsorship opportunities. To make reservations, visit www.raisetheroofs2013.eventbrite.com.
Within the last year, the city of Franklin has installed new roofs on both The Historic Barn and the Hayes’ Farmhouse on the site to stop further deterioration of the structures, which date back to the mid 20th century. Prior to the 2006 purchase of the 200-acre farm by the City of Franklin, Harlinsdale Farm was known as the birthplace of the Walking Horse industry in Tennessee and was a horse breeding farm and home of the legendary “Midnight Sun,” who stood stud for 25 years at the property.
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is on the National Register of Historic Places and the property is protected with a conservation easement held by the Land Trust for Tennessee. The “Raise the Roofs” benefit will be held this year on the lawn of the Historic Hayes’ Home and attendees should enter from the north entrance for the event. The time of the event is 4-7 p.m. and a number of special activities are planned, according to Dr. Monty McInturff, Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC, Board of Governors President.
“Middle Tennessee has such a rich history in all the horse breeds and so to kick off this year’s event, we will have a Parade of Horses, featuring numerous breeds and organizations that work with the horse daily,” McInturff said. “Most people don’t know that Franklin was one of the largest homes to Thoroughbreds and other breeds prior to the Civil War. Our parks are a showcase for our history.”
Following the Parade of Horses, local teams will play a demonstration polo match and then state Sen. Jack Johnson and his band take the stage for musical entertainment. Food this year will once again feature local restaurants and caterers, with guests going from booth to booth to sample their foods. Wines will be provided by Harvest Beverage Co. Earlier this year, Friends of Franklin Parks unveiled a concept plan for construction of a multi-purpose equestrian arena at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm and more details of that project will be discussed during “Raise the Roofs.”
Friends of Franklin Parks was created for private donors to make tax-deductible contributions to fund improvements of area recreational facilities and preserve the cultural and natural resources of our community for future generations. Other priorities of Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC, and Franklin Tomorrow include implementation of the city’s adopted Open Space and Greenway Plan to create greater connectivity among parks and throughout the city. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is open for passive pursuits including a dog park, soft trails for walking or running, a pond for catch and release fishing and event rentals. The park is open daily from dawn to dark.
Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC, is a partner organization with Franklin Tomorrow, Inc., which was founded in 2001 by a group of community leaders for the purpose of initiating and implementing a broad-based, community driven vision for Franklin’s future. Learn more about both organizations at www.franklintomorrow.org. Tickets for “Raise the Roofs” will be $75 per person and are now on sale. Additional sponsorship opportunities exist or direct financial or in-kind services donations are also being accepted. Contact FoFP Executive Director Mindy Tate at (615) 794-0998 for more information.
