Fern Hollow Nature Center’s first Summer Soiree a success
Share this post:
Fern Hollow Nature Center’s first annual Summer Soirée was held June 9 at Sewickley Quarter.
“We are really pleased. The event sold out and within two hours we were able to raise just over $5,000,” said Fern Hollow executive director Sam Capezzuto. “Our Fern Hollow family really showed up. It was a beautiful night at a spectacular venue — and we were able to raise the funds to cover the cost of a much-needed large tent for summer camp. We are so grateful.”
The non-profit nature center, located at 1901 Glen Mitchell Road in Sewickley Heights, has upheld its mission to inspire people of all ages to appreciate the environment through educational programs and opportunities to discover the natural resources of the Sewickley Valley parks for more than 25 years.
Located on roughly 33 acres of land and home of the first natural outdoor classroom in Pennsylvania, Fern Hollow holds more than 20 camps throughout the summer with weekly sessions for ages 3-13 covering topics like recycling, insects, camping and wilderness survival. The Fern Hollow classroom building, a repurposed 50-year-old former Sears catalog home, is in major need of repairs and the outdated layout is not ideal to support the growing demand for environmental education and programs. Sincecovid, the community’s need for outdoor activities has greatly increased. The tent will allow educators to take advantage of the nice summer weather and bring the lessons and children outside.
The Summer Soirée event was underwritten by sponsors First National Bank, UPMC Health Plan, AE Works, Sewickley Porsche, Merrill, A Bank of America Company / The Larsen Group, Orr’s Jewelers, Advanced Construction Services and Florabelle — Custom Florals & Occasions.
More than 150 people filled both the indoor and tented-outdoor courtyard spaces at Sewickley Quarter in the heart of Sewickley Village. VIP ticket holders enjoyed access to a pre-party reception with cocktails — including a signature Fern Hollow cocktail — and high-end hors d’oeuvres. Menu items included filet mignon crostini and fresh lobster bites for the VIP reception; southern buttermilk biscuits, pork kalua sliders, watermelon gazpacho shooters, smoked lobster mac and cheese served in small cast iron skillets and a live oysters presentation for all of the guests.
“This fundraiser was a pleasure to plan,” said Hannah Di Cicco, co-owner and director of events at Sewickley Quarter. “We were thrilled to welcome members of the Fern Hollow community into this space. It was great to see so many local people discovering us — we hope to see them back again.”
Desserts for the Soirée were generously donated by local businesses The Ultimate Pastry Shop and The Bridgeside Market. Floral centerpieces and arrangements were designed by Carrie Beynon, owner of Florabelle — Custom Florals and Occasions, also located on Beaver Street.
Local group DadBand entertained the crowd with high energy covers from ’90s bands including Radiohead, Tom Petty, The White Stripes, and Mother Love Bone.
“DadBand and their connection to the community helped us sell some tickets. They are a great group of guys, and their families are all supporters of the Nature Center. It was a perfect fit,” Capezzuto said.