Press Room- Archived Press Releases: Royal Reception XVI Journeys To Paris For Pediatric Cancer Benefit  

Annual event at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort features Harry Connick, Jr. and the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire

April 13, 2006 (Farmington, Pa.) — The social event voted “Event of the Year” by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, returns to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort on June 23-25. The 16th annual Royal Reception takes guests to the most romantic city on earth with this year’s theme “London to Paris.” Master of Ceremonies presiding over the courtly weekend will be Mr. Robin Leach, popular host of the television show “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” Royal Reception is a charity event, with a portion of proceeds going to the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON), the nation’s oldest student run philanthropy. THON provides medical, financial and emotional support to pediatric cancer patients and their families at Penn State Children’s Hospital.

The first Royal Reception was held in 1990. It was that year that Nemacolin Woodlands’ founder Joseph A. Hardy, III purchased the British title of Lord of the Manor of Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, England. Hardy’s name was added to the royal mace of the Lordship of Henley-in-Arden, now permanently housed at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, joining the names of the former Lords of the Manor dating back to 1140 A.D.

Hardy bequeathed his Lordship title to his daughter Robin Hardy Freed in 1995, and has since acquired titles for daughters Maggie Hardy Magerko, Kathy Hardy Drake, Paige Hardy and Taylor Hardy, as well as his son-in-law Peter Jon Magerko. Since its inception, Royal Reception has provided guests from all over the United States and England the opportunity to celebrate and honor the small village of Henley-in-Arden, surrounded by the luxury of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. In addition to internationally known celebrities and entertainers, this event has attracted noted Henley-in-Arden citizens such as the High Bailiff, Town Crier, Brook Looker, Butter Weigher and Ale Taster. As in past Royal Receptions, guests will have the unique opportunity to experience traditions from England and America during the weekend.

Known for showcasing top-name entertainment, Royal Reception this year features Harry Connick, Jr. and his big band, plus the dancing grooves of the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire.

•   Harry Connick, Jr. first reached mass audience appeal as a pianist, singer and bandleader, and over the past two decades, he has proven to among the world’s most successful and multi-talented artists. Connick achieved widespread success as a musician with his 1989 contributions to the score of the smash hit movie When Harry Met Sally, leading to his first multi-platinum album and first big band recording. After making his acting debut in Memphis Belle in 1990, Connick has also starred in Little Man Tate, Copycat, Independence Day, Excess Baggage, Hope Floats, Life Without Dick and John Grisham’s Mickey. His music has also contributed to the success of such films as Godfather III, Sleepless in Seattle and The Mask. As a television performer, he has starred in two specials built around his best-selling holiday albums, two Great Performances/PBS concert specials, the ABC TV adaptation of South Pacific (starring opposite Glenn Close), and a recurring role as Dr. Leo Markus on the NBC hit series Will & Grace. Harry Connick, Jr. has sold over 20 million albums, won three Grammy awards and an Emmy award. His nominations include Tony, Oscar and Golden Globe awards.

•   Earth, Wind & Fire first hit the music scene in the 1970’s and have enjoyed a career spanning more than 30 years. Borrowing from all styles of music – soul, funk, gospel, blues, jazz, rock and pop – the band established themselves as a force musically and in live performances. Their first #1 hit single “Shining Star” led the way for many more hits songs, including “September,” “Got to Get You Into My Life,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and many, many more. Their live concerts were “like Carnival, Mardi Gras, Broadway, Las Vegas and Cirque du Soleil all at once” with lavish costumes, intricate staging, pyrotechnics and intricate lighting displays. Though touring now without band founder Maurice White who has been battling Parkinson’s Disease since 1992, Earth, Wind & Fire still enjoys rave reviews for their newest albums and live performances. Since their inception, the band has won six Grammys and four American Music Awards while selling more than 20 million albums in the U.S. alone. They have been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and collected a Hall of Fame Image Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The itinerary for Royal Reception XVI is as follows:

Friday, June 23 – OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION (London)
Cocktail attire, black tie optional
An opening fit for a king! Guests will enjoy a charming cocktail reception in the Chateau LaFayette and LaFayette Gardens. Immediately following will be dinner in the Royal Arena, then the outstanding entertainment by Harry Connick, Jr. and his orchestra.
6:30 PM Welcome Reception
7:45 PM Dinner
9:30 PM Headline Entertainment: Harry Connick, Jr.
11:30 PM After Hours Entertainment

Saturday, June 24 – ROYAL PROCESSION AND BRUNCH
Formal luncheon attire, jackets required for gentlemen; Ladies, don’t forget your hats
The poignant sound of bagpipes fills the air as our royal guests of honor march past in the Royal Procession. After the ceremonies, enjoy an afternoon brunch worthy of a king, highlighted by live entertainment.
8:30 AM Doors open to Royal Brunch
9:00 AM Royal Procession
9:30 AM Royal Brunch

CINDERELLA BALL (Paris)
Black tie optional
Dance the night away with the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire at the Cinderella Ball, the crown jewel of the Royal Reception weekend. The evening begins with a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner, followed by fabulous entertainment.
6:30 PM Royal Reception
7:45 PM Plated Dinner
9:30 PM Entertainment: Cirque Troupe
10:30 PM Headline Entertainment: Earth, Wind & Fire
11:45 PM After Hours Entertainment

Sunday, June 25 – FAREWELL BRUNCH
Resort casual
A splendid ending to an extraordinary weekend, guests will enjoy a lavish brunch buffet with live entertainment.
9:30 AM to Noon Royal Brunch with musical entertainment

Pricing for Royal Reception XVI is package based and all-inclusive for receptions, dinner, entertainment, and two night stay. Packages are divided according to seating preferences for entertainment – Main Floor or First Tier. For pricing information and reservations, call Nemacolin Woodlands Resort at 1-866.399.6957. Information is also available at www.nemacolin.com.

Royal Reception XVI benefits THON (Penn State Dance Marathon), the nation’s oldest student-run philanthropy. Through THON, more than 700 Penn State college students raise money annually for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital. In its 33 years of existence, THON has raised more than $40 million for medical, financial and emotional support of pediatric cancer patients and their families.