Camp Fern Hollow soiree raises capital campaign funds

Fern Hollow Nature Center celebrated the magic of summer on June 6 with its third annual signature event, Summer Soirée: Camp Fern Hollow, at The Sewickley Quarter.

More than 150 guests, dressed in their finest “camp cocktail” attire, gathered for an evening under the stars, blending summer camp nostalgia with entertainment in support of environmental education and community programming.

Event planning committee members Annie Batyko, Jennifer Belliveau, Palmira Gerlach, Jodi Hackett, Jodi Hilliard, Susan Kinser, Lauren Massy and Megan Miner worked tirelessly to transform the Sewickley Quarter to Camp Fern Hollow. Lanterns, camp flags and banners gave the guests a nature-inspired experience.

Donors enjoyed live music by SBC (Sewickley Band Camp) featuring Jack Miner, Chris Zeiders, Matt Mier, Tom Michael and John Siminerio. Then they danced the night away to music spun by DJ Sly Williams.

Elevated campfire cuisine, including smoked salmon crostini and mini truffle dogs, and creative cocktails, such as the S’mores Old Fashioned and Lakeside Lemonade, were provided. “Campers” snapped and shared Polaroids and took their chances at winning raffle baskets ranging in themes from “Golfer’s Delight” to “Sewickley Home and Family.”

Camp Awards were given for the best spirit (Amy Fleming), campfire chic individual (Megan Miner), campfire chic couple (Anne and Joel Simpson), and Honorary Camp Counselor (Emily and Mike Hamil).

Environmental educators Sam Burke and Cam Elko, dressed as camp counselors leading Troop 15143, called the crowd to attention with a bugle call from the balcony. Susan Kinser and Rick Diemert thanked guests for attending and spoke about Fern Hollow’s mission and upcoming Capital Campaign.

The highlight of the evening came when members of the Child Health Association presented a $15,000 match grant challenge to the crowd.

“We are absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming success of our Camp Fern Hollow fundraiser. The event sold out — a true testament to the amazing support we have from our community,” said Fern Hollow Nature Center Executive Director Sam Capezzuto. “We were also deeply grateful to receive a $15,000 match grant challenge from the Child Health Association, following their generous $25,000 grant earlier this year. Thanks to the energy and generosity of everyone who came out, we almost met that challenge, raising crucial funds for our capital campaign. This team effort brings us one big step closer to expanding our nature center and making an even greater impact for years to come!”

Proceeds from the soiree will directly benefit the Nature Center’s year-round educational programs, youth camps and conservation initiatives. The event also marked the beginning of the Center’s summer season, with more programming and public events planned in the coming months.