Volunteers announce Swan Ball 2025, Cheekwood asks court to stop them
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Guests at a Swan Ball event in June 1972. Photo: Fairchild Archive/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images
Volunteer organizers tied to the Swan Ball have announced plans to partner with the Friends of Warner Parks for the white-tie gala in 2025.
- But Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, which has hosted the Swan Ball on its Swan Lawn since 1963, is asking a federal court to stop them.
Why it matters: The back-and-forth is the latest twist in a contentious legal battle over the fate of the high-society event and its name.
Catch up quick: Since its inception, the Swan Ball has doubled as a fundraiser for Cheekwood.
- But a group of organizers say Cheekwood has improperly seized control of the event from volunteers who had always run the show. They sued this summer, arguing they had the right to cut ties and take the Swan Ball elsewhere.
- Cheekwood subsequently countersued, saying its employees oversaw the Swan Ball and that rogue volunteers were trying to take control after they were told to rein in spending.
- Both sides argue they should control the Swan Ball name.
The latest: In an announcement on Tuesday, the organizers said they would revive the event next year to benefit the Friends of Warner Parks, the nonprofit that supports Percy and Edwin Warner Parks, which cover more than 3,100 acres.
- The announcement said the event would take place June 7, 2025, at Edwin Warner Park, which is just down the road from Cheekwood.
What they're saying: "As we consider the next chapter for Swan Ball, we are excited to continue our good work of the last six decades to enhance the quality of life in our community," said Kathryn C. Brown and Elizabeth L. Nichols, board co-chairs for the Swan Ball Initiative, an organization founded by the volunteers.
The other side: Cheekwood asked a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order blocking that iteration of the Swan Ball.
State of play: In a filing, Cheekwood's lawyers say the volunteers "will undoubtedly target Cheekwood's donors, corporate sponsors, underwriters, and volunteers to solicit funds as the Swan Ball — if it has not started doing so already."
- If the "competing Swan Ball" takes place, the filing states, "Cheekwood will lose control over the goodwill and reputation of its annual Swan Ball fundraising event, jeopardizing donor relationships and future events."
What's next: Debate over a temporary restraining order will continue in the coming days.
- If the court blocks the volunteers from using the Swan Ball name, the volunteer group has told multiple outlets, the group will simply organize a white-tie gala under a different name.