Fern Hollow’s Gala in the Garden raises nearly $40K
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On June 10, Fern Hollow Nature Center hosted 180 partygoers at a spectacular Gala in the Garden. It was a stunning summer evening celebrating Fern Hollow’s 25th anniversary as the voice for environmental education and outdoor recreation in the Quaker Valley community. The event raised almost $40,000 to support Fern Hollow’s mission.
After a lively cocktail hour, guests watched a short film about Fern Hollow’s history and accomplishments, produced by board member Lindsey Smith and Foothold Studios. Guests then enjoyed a three-course sit-down meal while hearing Fern Hollow’s plans to make major renovations to the Nature Center. Future renovations will include the addition of a new classroom, office space and improved building sustainability.
After dinner and dessert, guests danced the night away to great tunes by Dr. Zoot, a popular six-piece band organized by Sewickley’s own Rich Engler, a long-time fan of Fern Hollow.
“I was thrilled by the turnout and the support we received,” said Sam Capezzuto, Fern Hollow Nature Center executive director. “I was especially happy to celebrate with some of Fern Hollow’s family, including founding board members Mary Odom, Shelley Clement and Courtney Muse. I credit these women and the late Paula Sculley for making Fern Hollow the thriving non-profit it is today.”
The staff and volunteers who operate the non-profit organization, funded mostly by membership and donation dollars, serve omore than 10,000 visitors each year by creating and hosting a variety of family programs, adult programs, nature walks, community events, as well as offering educational programming to local schools specifically aligned with their curricula.
“None of this would have been possible without the vision of Mr. G. Whitney Snyder, who donated the land to Sewickley Heights Borough; and the original teaching staff, led by April Claus, Susie Moffett and Stacey Widenhofer,” Capezzuto said.