Evergreen Ball

04/08/2026

It's springtime but we're still thinking about your incredible support during a snowy weekend in February. The final numbers are in, and the 2026 Evergreen Ball netted $589,253 despite a snowstorm forcing us to move the event entirely online. We are so thankful for all the sponsors (see photo), donors, and volunteers who went above and beyond to make the Evergreen Ball a success. The ball plays a vital role in funding historic preservation, wildlife protection, science, education, and much more in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thank you, Friends!

02/03/2026

Thank you to our incredible steering committee for all of their hard work over the last year planning this year's Evergreen Ball!

Planning for the Evergreen Ball begins immediately after the previous ball, with all hands on deck starting the early summer. We are so grateful for this group of dedicated, community-oriented leaders who help year-round with all things EGB!

Stephanie Daniel, Co-Chair
Julieanne Foy, Co-Chair
Dino Cartwright, Logistics Chair
Alyson Gallaher, Concept Chair

Andi Anderson
Kyle Basila
Tracey Belmont
Lauren Bosse
Marlene Burnett
Lindsay Cates
Brandy Crowder
Nancy Daves
Kim Firkins
Sean Jolly
Amye King
Kat Ogle
Butch Robertson
Debbie Schmid

✨

02/02/2026

✨ One last big THANK YOU to these incredible sponsors of the 2026 Evergreen Ball! These are local businesses and families who cherish GSMNP just as much as we do. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

02/01/2026

One of many reasons we wish we could have held the Evergreen Ball in person: It's a chance to recognize all the folks who volunteer to help Friends of the Smokies. During our "pregame show" video we made for the party, we gave a nod to the Men's Rugby at the University of Tennessee team for always helping us do the heavy lifting at the event. This frigid Sunday morning, they were back at it bright and early to help us pack up stuff from the party that didn't happen. The least we can do is recognize them now with a snippet of the video on social media. :) We’d also like to thank Kris Budden as well as the Voice of the Vols Mike Keith for taking time out of their busy schedules to help us have some fun with the Evergreen Ball video.

02/01/2026

We are still so sad about the cancellation of the Evergreen Ball 2026, but we are confident we made the right decision. Safety of staff and guests is always a priority. Thank you, once again, for all of our attendees who participated in the virtual auction! What an INCREDIBLE turnout … we cannot wait to share more with you!

Winning bidders, reminder you can pick up your auction items tomorrow (Sunday) at Cherokee between 10-1 or Monday (Feb 2) from 10-3! For alternative pick up options email [email protected]. Thank you all so much!!

01/31/2026

EDIT: The auction is now closed. If you were unable to bid, please consider donating at our website.
Original post: We can't be together in person, but we'd still like to share some videos we compiled for you to enjoy at tonight's Evergreen Ball. It includes a "pregame show" for the auction featuring some fun cameos. There's also info on our appeal for you to help us improve the trails at the summit of Mount Le Conte. The video has chapter markers if you want to skip around. You can watch it on YouTube here:

0:00 Intro0:33 Sharon & Dana Welcome2:38 Pregame Show3:18 Starting Lineup4:19 Auction Items5:22 Rugby5:53 Gary Wade6:45 Auction Time in Tennessee7:27 Le Cont...

01/31/2026

On behalf of the Evergreen Ball Committee and Friends of the Smokies Board of Directors, we regret to share with you that we are transitioning the Evergreen Ball to an online only experience. This was a heartbreaking decision, but the safety of our guests and event staff remain our highest priority.

This decision was not made lightly. An incredible amount of hard work, sweat, and tears went into preparing for this night, all driven by our deep love and passion for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We are profoundly grateful for every person who helped bring this event to life.

❗️Attendees: please stay tuned to your email on instructions for bidding in the auctions this evening

01/29/2026

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the 23rd Annual Evergreen Ball this Saturday evening right on schedule! While we’re expecting a light accumulation of beautiful, fluffy snow (perhaps up to a few inches between Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon), it should taper off by late afternoon on Saturday, leaving us with a picture-perfect winter backdrop for the evening.

We can’t wait to see you on Saturday! Stay warm, and see you soon!

01/29/2026

Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles 🍾

Known for its balance and consistency, this 3L bottle offers notes of ripe apple, pear, citrus, and toasted brioche with a fine, persistent mousse. An exceptional centerpiece for celebrations, events, or gifting, this large-format bottle combines elegance with memorable impact.

01/27/2026

Thank you to you Hemlock level sponsors for their generous support of the 2026 Evergreen Ball ✨

01/26/2026

We are excited to welcome East Tennessee based Alley Auction as our live auctioneers of 2026!

Alley Realty & Auction is a family-owned auction company that has served the East Tennessee region for more than 56 years. Their support for this year's EGB will be essential in raising funds during our live auction, which is stacked with some incredible items this year. Come ready to bid--- and bid high on Saturday!