Blush and Brilliance: An Evening Honoring Nelle Fabyan

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BLUSH AND BRILLIANCE 

Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley is thrilled to present our 2026 late-summer banquet and benefit. This evening features a unique historical dive into the life of Nelle Fabyan, presented by the Geneva History Museum’s Executive Director, Terry Emma. 

Many stories of Colonel George Fabyan have been told over the years, but not much has been shared about his wife, Nelle Wright Fabyan. Terry will share Nelle’s story as discovered through a 1920 magazine interview, "The Farm and the Woman." This article unveils four important parts of Nelle’s life as a socialite, a farmer, a sculptor, and a philanthropist.

Nelle Fabyan’s restored Parisian couture gown has been on display at the historic Fabyan Villa Museum since April. But what does it say about the woman who wore it and her impact within the Fox River Valley and beyond? This program will explore the life of this fascinating woman who accomplished more than her famous last name. 

Historic Shannon Hall 

Batavia Park District 

14 N. Van Buren 

Batavia, IL 60510 

Thursday, September 17, 2026 

6:00 PM ~ Cocktail Hour 

7:00 PM ~ Plated Dinner 

7:30 PM ~ Presentation 

Tickets are $85 and include passed appetizers, a plated dinner, and dessert. There will be a cash bar offering wine and beer. Drink tickets are available for purchase: $7.50 in advance and $10 during the event. 

REGISTRATION CLOSES at 5PM FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Register at ppfv.org/dinner 

Thank you to our Silver Sponsors Jack and Pamela Muirhead, Bronze sponsors Drendel and Jansons Law Group, and in-kind donor AlphaGraphics St. Charles for supporting this event! 

Interested in sponsoring this event? We'd love to talk with you! 

Please reach out to Jill Willett at willett@ppfv.org or call 630.377.6424