Peacock Ball on Nov. 12

The Peacock Ball, the Winter Park Historical Association’s only fundraiser, will be held this year on Friday, Nov. 12 at the Rachel Murrah Civic Center.

This year, the committee is breaking a three-year tradition of honoring outstanding citizens and instead will honor one of Winter Park’s most treasured institutions, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art and the legacy of its founders, Hugh and Jeanette McKean.

Peacock Ball co-chair Ann Murrah said, “Their combined wisdom and generosity provided this community with a collection of stunning art. The museum is also an economic engine that draws people from across the state, nation and the world to Park Avenue.”

The choice of the museum and its founders was a quick and easy decision in anticipation of the February opening of the Morse Museum’s new 12,000-square-feet, $5 million addition that will showcase its collection of objects from Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Long Island Estate, Laurelton Hall.

Kim Coe, the ball’s designer, will theme the room around Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Four Seasons stained glass panels installed at the Morse Museum. These exquisite panels were first exhibited at the 1900 World Exposition in Paris.

Peacock Ball co-chair Pam Brandon, cookbook author and events planner at Walt Disney World, is working with Arthur’s Creative Events and Catering to develop a menu that will also echo the Four Seasons theme with each course representing a different season.

Highlights of the evening will be cocktails under the stars, a four-course dinner and a sneak preview of the Morse addition by museum director Laurence J. Ruggiero. Following the presentation, Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell will auction some fabulous items, such as a party at Casa Feliz for 50 of your friends, a boat ride to the Winter Park Racquet Club for dinner after stopping at the Polasek Museum for cocktails, and an extensive restaurant package featuring Winter Park’s finest dining establishments. After the fast-paced auction, guests will dance to the popular band Cactus Jack and the Cadillacs.

Todd Rupp will return to emcee the evening that for the past three years has sold out early. Tickets are $150. For more information, call the Winter Park Historical Association at 407-647-2330.