illumination 2023
11.2.23 | 6:00 PM | Ships of the Sea Museum
In the darkest hour of the middle ages, when famine and plague and war had brought many people groups and budding nations to their lowest point, a Latin phrase, born out of Christian hope, emerged. Post Tenebras Lux: After darkness, Light. This phrase would be the heart’s rallying cry towards the deeper truth that God is always working to bring about the restoration of His created world. Always. The Habersham School is built around this mission, and illumination is our annual event where we gather with new and old friends to celebrate this deeper truth.
Together with exceptional food and drink as well as fantastic raffle items, illumination gives the Habersham community and its friends an opportunity to relax outside in the midst of an early autumn evening and be a part of promoting the work being done through the school towards the mission of restoration. We hope you will join us this year!
All contributions to illumination support The Habersham School Annual Fund – the Habersham Fund, providing funding to mission enhancements that directly impact our students.
Sponsorship Plans
- Sell-out event! illumination has SOLD out every year since 2015! Last year, the event sold out in less than a month’s time with over 200 people in attendance!
- Past Sponsors: We have been blessed to have a long list of standout sponsors throughout the years including but not limited to: Ameris Bank, Chick-fil-A Pooler, St. Joseph’s Immediate Care, Beyond Exceptional Dentistry, PIER Commercial Real Estate, Coastal Sash & Door, MacAljon, Georgia Orthopaedics, Dentistry for Children, and many more!
- What’s it for? illumination exists to advance the mission of Habersham in three specific areas:
- People: Professional development, expanded teacher benefits, tuition assistance fund, etc.
- Programs: Fine arts, quiz bowl, athletics, House System, etc.
- Plant: Ongoing maintenance & upgrades, technology, security enhancements, classroom upgrades, beautification projects, etc.
- What’s our reach?
- 1,200 – weekly email distribution list
- 2,536 – Combined Facebook/Instagram followers
FAQs
Yes! In fact, this is highly encouraged! illumination is a great way to introduce new families to the Habersham community. Whether it be prospective families, prospective donors, or folks just curious to know more about Habersham, illumination is the perfect introduction.
This year, we are introducing a new theme – Rooted. The inspiration behind this theme comes from our theme for the year, Rooted in Christ, anchored in Ephesians 3:14-19 — “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
So what does rooted have to do with what I should wear? Think Spanish moss and beautiful oak trees, we’re going headlong into low-country soiree vibes! Dress in your finest Southern attire, from button-downs to jewel-toned velvets, to bowties and pearls. Let’s embrace the timeless elegance and laid-back charm that the South is known for!
The evening’s dress code is “snappy casual.” We expect gorgeous weather with a chill in the air, so a light sweater or jacket might be needed. And yes gentlemen, jeans are considered snappy! Ladies, what does snappy mean for you? Break out the heels, whimsical accessories, flowing fabrics, and floral prints. We can’t wait see you there!
Ships of the Sea has a small parking lot that will hold around 40-50 cars. If you are able to walk, please reserve this lot for our grandparents and others who may need a shorter walk to the venue! Ample on-street parking is available.
We thought you’d ask. We’re thrilled to announce that Chef Kirk Blaine will be catering our meal. Dinner will be buffet style, seated under the large covered pavilion.
Cocktail Appetizers
New York Strip Steak Crostini – Flame Grilled New York Strip Cooked to a Perfect Medium. On Buttered Sourdough With Herbed Boursin Cheese, Balsamic Vinegar Reduction
Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta – Tart Sun-Dried Tomato Strips with Garden Basil, Pecorino and Truffle Oil On Crisp Crostini with Balsamic Vinegar Glaze
Baked Raspberries and Brie in Phyllo – Sweet Summer Raspberries with Tangy Brie inside Crisp Phyllo Oven Baked til Golden, Drizzled with Honey and Nuts
Main Dining
Shrimp and Grits – Jumbo Peeled and Deveined Shrimp Simmered in Cajun Etoufee with a Deep Roux Served with Stone Ground Three Cheese Grits Topped with a Confetti of Diced Peppers and Onions
Chicken Penne Florentine – Tender Blanched Penne Pasta Simmered in Tomato Vodka Cream Sauce with Wilted Spinach, Shaved Pecorino Romano, and Garden Herbs Tender Grilled Chicken Breasts
Slow Smoked Pulled Pork BBQ – Heritage Pork Shoulder Smoked Low and Slow, Hand Pulled Doused with Cider Vinegar and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce
Baby French Green Beans – Sweet Baby French Beans Quickly Blanched Then Roasted with Butter, Herbs, and Low Country Spices
Sweet Southern Cornbread – Warm and Fluffy Sweet Southern Style Cornbread
Dessert
Strawberry Cheesecake – Silky Cheesecake topped with Strawberry Compote Freshly Whipped Cream, and Sprigs of Mint
* Several of the dinner options are gluten-free and will be clearly notated the night of.
We love this question! illumination is the official kickoff of the public phase of our Annual Fund – the Habersham Fund.
The Habersham Fund raises critical funds to support our mission above and beyond that which tuition and fees cover. The Habersham Fund primarily supports the following areas:
- People: Professional Development, Expanded Faculty & Staff Benefits, Tuition Assistance Fund, etc.
- Programs: Fine Arts, Athletics, House System, Quiz Bowl etc.
- Plant: Ongoing Maintenance & Upgrades, Technology, Security Enhancements, Facility Renovations, etc.
When you support Habersham through the Habersham Fund, you are playing a key role to cultivate strong leaders with biblical convictions. Thank you!
The first hour or two is the social hour. There are a handful of cafe tables available for those who would like to sit but the majority of this time will be standing. From there, the party will shift to the covered pavilion where guests will be seated at their table for the remainder of the night.
Both! This year, we will have an assortment of raffle AND silent auction items.
Raffle/auction items will be added soon. Stay tuned!
This year, we will again have a cash bar featuring beer, wine, and a special signature cocktail. Rest easy, the bar will accept cash and card for you paperless folks!
Yes! Our system is entirely digital so charge those phones and come ready!
Good news! If it rains, the entire event will be moved to under the pavilion, large enough to hold the entire party and then some!
The event will officially end at 10 PM but of course you will be able to leave whenever you like. If you don’t take any extra pit stops on your way home, you should be back around 10:30 or so!
Entertainment
Lydia Marie Elizabeth
LIVE SKETCH ARTIST
We’re excited to have Lydia Marie Elizabeth joining us again this year, offering live fashion sketches and auctioning off an original work that will be finished during dinner for guests to see.
Lydia’s artwork features a strong attention to detail and typically showcases interior and architectural elements throughout. Her sunny disposition floods into her art resulting in a joyful body of work with a nostalgic air. Her artwork invokes the emotions of the remembered (or sometimes daydreamed) moment.
When you see Lydia, be sure to thank her for her support of The Habersham School!
John Brackett
LIVE MUSIC
John Brackett in association with The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will provide live music for the cocktail hour and the program.
John was raised in Virginia and started playing piano at the young age of 5 years old. His instrument in High School and College was trombone. He graduated from Brevard College and studied music at William and Mary. He played at various Jazz Clubs in the Washington Area. In 1989 he moved Hilton Head Island, where he was the featured band at Big Rocco’s for 9 years. His band was all the rage at the Blue Night Club for 4 years and then on to the Jazz Corner for 6 years.
Raffle Item Donations & Wish List
illumination simply could not happen without the generosity of folks like YOU! Our raffle & auction is entirely comprised of donated goods and services. While we would love to accept any and all donations, we will be limited in what we can accept in an effort to ensure items donated fit within the overall plan. Email Chaston Hart at chart@thehabershamschool.org to learn more about what the illumination team is searching for!
Big Ticket Items
- Event Tickets – Sports, Concerts, Shows, etc.
- Vacation Homes – Beach, Mountain, Lake, etc.
- Sky Miles
- Hotel Reward Points
- Golf Cart
- Boat Cruise
- Original Art
Smaller Items
Smaller items can help to round out a package! For example, a gift card to the Collins Quarter could be coupled with event tickets to help round out a date night package!
Volunteer Steering Committee
A special thank you to our steering committee. illumination would not be possible without YOU!
Mary Michael Davis
Chair
Megan White
Co-Chair
Katherine Callan
Decor Chair
Jess Belfry
Sponsorship Chair
Amy Clay
Director of Operations
Have questions? Let us know!
Contact us by email at advancement@thehabershamschool.org