Dinner Under the Oaks

Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs invites the community to gather beneath the sweeping canopy of the Alley of the Oaks for a truly one-of-a-kind experience — Dinner Under the Oaks, an intimate evening celebrating connection, purpose, and the transformative power of equine-assisted healing.

This signature event will feature a chef-curated, open-air dinner designed by Chef Jacqueline Hartman of Circa 1670 Hospitality Group and Chef Paige Harden of Park Avenue Oyster Bar & Grill, paired with hand-selected wines by sommelier Lou Guisto of Solo Vino Merchand. Guests will enjoy a seasonal, four-course meal in a breathtaking outdoor setting that blends exceptional cuisine with meaningful community connection.

Dinner Under the Oaks provides a rare opportunity to directly support Great Oak’s mission to provide equine-assisted activities that promote the physical, emotional, and psychological health of individuals with disabilities. Through its programs, Great Oak fosters unbridled personal growth, independence, and confidence for participants ranging from children to seniors, including those navigating autism, PTSD, stroke recovery, and more.

“At Great Oak, we change lives — our horses, volunteers, and supporters come together to foster unbridled personal growth for individuals and families across our community,” says Eva Finnan, CEO of Great Oak.

The evening will also feature the artistry of the Aiken Civic Orchestra String Quartet, whose mission is to provide an artistic home that engages musicians and audiences from the greater Aiken and Central Savannah River communities through the performance of orchestral repertoire.

“Both Great Oak and the Aiken Civic Orchestra work in ways that transform lives and enrich our community,” says Adam DePriest, Music Director of ACO. “We are proud to collaborate on this meaningful evening and bring the beauty of live music to such a purposeful event.”

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Great Oak’s transformative programs, with a portion supporting the Aiken Civic Orchestra and its mission to unite the community through music.