Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

In Good Taste: Elegant Progressions marks 25 years of style, dining, giving.

Screenshot 2016-09-28 10.56.26“You can leave your wallet at home.”

So says David Morrison, executive director of Historic Harrisburg Association, when he talks about the annual fundraiser called Elegant Progressions.

“You pay your entrance fee. There is no silent auction, no raffle and no bar bill,” he said. “You can relax and enjoy the evening with your friends.”

Elegant Progressions is, at its name suggests, an upscale progressive dinner that offers both delicious food by some of the area’s top caterers and restaurants and a chance to glimpse several of central Pennsylvania’s most elegant, historic and architecturally significant properties. Transportation between houses is even provided.

A partnership between HHA and the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, Elegant Progressions celebrates 25 years this year.

“Funds raised during this event stay right here in our community,” said Joan Line, the foundation’s executive director. “Once the bills are paid, we spilt the proceeds equally.”

Started in 1992 by kidney transplant recipient Peggy Jayne Pierce, Elegant Progressions is the result of a friendship between Pierce and Morrison. Pierce spent her days guiding the spouses of physician recruits on tours of Harrisburg. Learning that she would receive a new kidney, she asked Morrison to lead her tours. Elegant Progressions became a way to celebrate this longstanding friendship and to showcase the many elegant, historic homes in our region.

Alyce Spector started the foundation in 1979 after learning that two close friends were diagnosed with kidney disease.

“I could have worked, but decided to do service instead,” she said. “I wanted to help people in need of new kidneys. Through Elegant Progressions, we work together to restore and sustain lives in our community and the life of our community.”

Last year, the foundation helped more than 3,000 people affected by kidney disease in a 28-county region in central Pennsylvania. Proceeds from Elegant Progressions fund Camp Kydnie, a special, weeklong overnight camp for children ages 6 through 18 with kidney disease. Money raised also provides services and support to those afflicted with kidney disease and helps educates the public about the importance of kidney and organ donations.

Established in 1973, Historic Harrisburg Association serves as the capital region’s advocacy organization for historic preservation and urban revitalization. HHA’s primary goals are to promote the restoration, preservation and enjoyment of historic neighborhoods and landmarks.

“Largely because of the work of HHA and its civic partners, Harrisburg now stands as a primary example of how preservation can contribute to the reversal of decline in American cities,” said Morrison.

During Elegant Progressions, Unique Limousine will chauffer guests to the houses serving, first of all, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres; secondly, the main course; and, lastly, of course, dessert. The original brownstone of Common Pleas Court Judge James S. Bowman, now owned by Stephen and Susan Symons, will be one of the houses. Chilton, a spectacular Georgian home designed by William Lawrence Bottomley in 1929, now owned by Robert and Susan Mumma, is also on the tour. A third home has yet to be confirmed.

Line hopes that this year’s event will attract not only long-time supporters, but younger patrons, as well. In fact, a special ticket price, subsidized by the Hall Foundation Scholarship, is offered for those under age 40.

“We want to engage the next generation of patrons and volunteers,” she said. “It would be great to celebrate a 50th anniversary, and, with the help of one of our early supporters, the Hall Foundation, we have an initiative to inspire younger participants.”

Moreover, Line said, Elegant Progressions offers a stylish way to kick off the most festive time of the year.

“This progressive, black-tie dinner will provide a sparkling launch to the holiday season,” she said.

Elegant Progressions takes place the weekend of Dec. 2 to 3. For sponsorship opportunities or to register online, visit www.elegantprogressions.org. For more information, contact the Historic Harrisburg Association at 717-233-4646 (www.historicharrisburg.com) or the Kidney Foundation of Central PA at 717-652-8123 (www.kfcp.org).

Author: Ann Myers

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