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Pilar Wayne Headlines “Dinner with The Duke;” Showcasing Art for Two Hospitality House Benefits

June 12 2012. Acclaimed artist and author Pilar Wayne, the widow of John Wayne, is set to headline back-to-back benefits for The Hospitality House on June 24 and 25.

The first event, “Dinner With The Duke” is being held at 7 p.m. on Sunday at The Painted Fish Café in Banner Elk where guests will dine on The Duke’s favorite dishes prepared by renowned High Country Chef Tom Jancovich. The menu comes from Pilar’s cookbook of favorite John Wayne foods and the anecdotes and adventures relayed throughout the book will be told that night between courses.

Highlighting the night will be an exhibit of Pilar’s art, including the first East Coast showing in over a decade of her original “The Legend,” valued at over $10,000, as well as the chance to bid on Watsonatta Western World’s John Wayne Collector’s Edition Saddle. The evening will also include a silent auction of local art, jewelry and gifts.

The following evening, Banner Elk Winery presents “A Celebration of The Duke.” Kicking off at 7 o’clock, this evening will showcase Pilar’s art, along with local artists’ work, around the winery’s scenic pond, allowing guests to mingle with the artist, bid on her work and hear first-hand tales of her late husband. Elegant Southern cuisine from Gadabouts, a silent auction of vacation packages, art and western items, live music by Ruffin Street and complimentary wine and beer round out the evening.

“In our twenty-seven years together, Duke and I traveled the world but we never got the chance to visit the North Carolina Mountains together,” says Ms. Wayne “I was in Asheville a few years ago with my granddaughter and the beauty there was inspiring. As an artist, one always looks to be inspired so I very much look forward to my upcoming North Carolina visit.”

“Dinner with The Duke” tickets are $125 and “A Celebration of the Duke” tickets are $50. Tickets may be purchased by calling Hospitality House 828-264-12337 or online at www.hospitalityhouseofboone.org.