Fern Hollow Nature Center holding Gala in the Garden

Fern Hollow Nature Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a Gala in the Garden benefit from 6 to 9 p.m. June 10.

Guests in garden cocktail attire will gather on Fern Hollow’s grounds to toast the nature center’s last 25 years as the voice for environmental education in the Quaker Valley. Fern Hollow’s board of directors will unveil plans for the next 25 years.

“We have come so far in 25 years, and this benefit will be our chance to not only support Fern Hollow but also get our community excited about our plans for the future,” said Jenn Natasi, chair of Fern Hollow’s board of directors.

The benefit will directly support the education programs at Fern Hollow Nature Center, which offers more than 170 hands-on inquiry-based science programs for local schools each year that focus on Pennsylvania wildlife and habitat, geology and local watersheds.

Fern Hollow Nature Center also offers monthly family programs, a trout release, free weekly playdates, hands-on nature-themed summer camps, preschool programs, adult programs and community events.

Hosts for the gala include Mark and Annie Gensheimer, Tres and Darla Whitlock, Geoff and Amy Fleming, Ken and Georgi Fishter, Patrick and Julie Rooney, Mary Odom, Matteo and Allie Gruelle, Rob and Lauren Massy, Dave and Christine Poluszejko, and Nick and Annie Batyko.

The evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing to live music by Dr. Zoot, and an open bar.

Dinner will include passed appetizers provided by the Merrie Chef, a sit-down dinner from First Class Catering, and sweet treats provided by Ultimate Pastry, Sewickley Confectionery and Bridgeside Market.

Tickets are $150 per person. Tables are available at three donation levels. A $2,000 table includes priority seating for 10 people; a $3,000 table includes priority seating for 10 people and a bottle of sparkling wine; and those who donate at the $5,000 level will enjoy priority seating, sparkling wine and VIP parking. Purchase tickets online at fhnc.org or call 412-741-6136.