Community Corner
Westchester Land Trust Benefit Was Truly "An Evening Under the Stars"
More than 300 people showed their support for the Westchester Land Trust’s local conservation efforts at the organization’s 2014 Benefit “An Evening Under the Stars.” Held on Saturday, June 14th at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, the event took place in a double-decker tent, open on all sides, featuring spectacular views of the night sky and this premier equestrian facility slated to host the 2014 American Gold Cup.
In addition to an amazing meal catered by Tastefully Yours, there was dancing, a silent and live auction, and so much more. A new educational video about the organization entitled “Voices of Conservation,” was premiered for the first time for the guests in attendance and was welcomed with rave applause. But the highlight of the evening was former Executive Director, Candace M. Schafer, who was honored with the organization’s Preservation Angel Award.
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Jonathan Wiesner, Chairman of the WLT's Board of Directors applauded Candace’s commitment to the organization, saying, “She worked to revive regional thinking across county and state borders through partnerships with other land conservation organizations and municipalities and she oversaw the protection of almost 450 acres of land.”
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WLT applauds the outstanding generosity of all of its friends, supporters and sponsors, especially the members of the Benefit Committee including: Nanette Bourne & John Delfs, MD, Amy & Keith Ferguson, Susan & James Henry, Jackie & Peter Kamenstein, Vivien G. Malloy, Gretchen & Peter Menzies, Mary Ann Petrilena, and Pamela & David Small. The Benefit was sponsored in part by Ellen & Kamran Hakim and Old Salem Farm (Presenting Sponsor), and Serendipity magazine (Media Sponsor).
All of the funds raised through this year’s Benefit will support WLT’s efforts to protect environmentally-important open space and care for and manage the 24 preserves it owns.
Founded in 1988, WLT recently celebrated 25 years of working with public and private partners to preserve land in perpetuity, and to protect and enhance the natural resources in Westchester and eastern Putnam County. WLT’s conservation efforts impact the long term health of these communities through protection of watershed areas, air quality, and food supply. In total, WLT has preserved more than 8,000 acres of open space including approximately 660 acres of preserves owned by the organization.