By Sabrina Simms

NATCHEZ — Natchezians will have the chance to dance the night away at the Magnolia Ball on Saturday while supporting a good cause.

The black-tie event sponsored by the Natchez Garden Club will kick off the Spring Pilgrimage at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Natchez City Auditorium.

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History has awarded a $209,707 Community Heritage Preservation Grant to Magnolia Hall, which was the last great house built in Natchez before the Civil War.

The grant, however, will only cover a portion of the nearly $400,000 Magnolia Hall project, said Jennifer Smith, president of the Natchez Garden Club, which owns Magnolia Hall.

“We are having this fundraiser in an effort to preserve one of the great mansions of Natchez to be on display for the many visitors who come from all over the world,” Smith said.

Magnolia Hall’s exterior walls and porch will be repainted, new air conditioning units will be installed and Magnolia Hall will have additional mechanical work done, Smith said.

The Magnolia Ball will include musical entertainment by “The Sessions” from Jackson, a silent auction and a presentation about the renovation project by Mimi Miller.

Event co-chairman Ginger Hyland said Natchez is known for its antebellum houses and their historic beauty.

“I think the preservation of our wonderful antebellum homes is vital for our city,” Hyland said. “We hope everyone will come and support us.”

The event is open to the public and tickets are $90 each, which covers a cocktail reception, entertainment, participation in a silent auction and a cash bar.

Hyland said the NGC committee also would be commended for the work they put into the event during the evening’s festivities.

The NGC committee members include co-chairman Donna Sessions, Smith, Mary Lessley, Cheryl Rinehart, Helen Smith and Lynette Tanner.

“I want to recognize these hardworking, vivacious, fun, intelligent and terrific group of ladies,” Hyland said.

She said a special member of the NGC would be honored with a secret Lifetime Achievement Award to be announced the night of the ball.

Tanner said many businesses have donated goods to the silent auction.

Some featured items in the auction include dinners, fine jewelry, artwork, premium wine, gift certificates, a weekend vacation in a Gatlinburg, Tenn., condo and more.

The Pilgrimage 2018 royal court is also attending and will be presented.

“It’s a beautiful way to present these young people,” Hyland said, “to have a beautiful evening all together.”

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at natchezgardenclub.org.