(Long Island, NY) More than 350 land conservation supporters came out on Saturday, September 26 for the North Shore Land Alliance’s 12th annual Wine Auction and Dinner. The Wine Auction is the Land Alliance’s most important fundraiser of the year and thanks to the generous supporters and volunteers, the organization raised more than $300,000 to advance its local land conservation efforts.
Co-chaired by Kim and John Bancroft and Amos and Andrew Nevin with Junior Co-chairs Aileen and Ian Gumprecht, “La Fete de Conservation” was the theme for this elegant and festive event which was held at the historic Barn at Groton Place in Old Westbury. Guests had an opportunity to bid on rare and vintage wines and unique trips to special places, and were able to take a chance on the wall of wine – 100 bottles of wine rated 90 and above by Robert Parker. With its unique setting, festive atmosphere, elegant dinner and post-event dancing, the Wine Auction has quickly become one of Long Island’s most anticipated and treasured events.
More than 350 land conservation supporters came out on Saturday, September 26 for the North Shore Land Alliance’s 12th annual Wine Auction and Dinner. Photo Credit: North Shore Land Alliance.
In his welcoming remarks Land Alliance Board Chair, Carter Bales, thanked all the guests for their support and spoke about the importance of local land conservation. Bales commented, “The Land Alliance has become a leader in advancing land conservation efforts in Nassau and western Suffolk Counties. Since 2003, the Land Alliance has permanently protected more than 1,000 acres of land and has raised $265 million in public and private funding for local land and water protection.” He added, “The strength of the organization can be attributed to the involvement and support of our nearly 3,000 members.” Bales discussed how the Land Alliance supports sensible growth and the preservation of green spaces, wetlands and historical sites to ensure a healthy future. He added, “With 20,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land at risk and struggling golf courses that comprise 11,000 of the remaining acres, now more than ever we need partnerships and community involvement to preserve and protect the remaining open space on the North Shore for this and future generations.”
The Wine Auction is the Land Alliance’s most important fundraiser of the year. Photo Credit: North Shore Land Alliance.
In speaking at the event, Land Alliance President and CEO, Lisa Ott, thanked the co-chairs, board of trustees, staff, guests and volunteers for all they did to make the spectacular evening a success, she then introduced auctioneer extraordinaire – Hugh Hildesley. As Senior Auctioneer at Sotheby’s, Mr. Hildesley kept bidders and guests engaged with his commanding presence and eloquent banter. In addition to fine wines, the live auction featured a range of items such as a dinner for 14 prepared by celebrity Iron Chef Hong Thaimee of Ngam, a trip to Budapest, a luxury suite at the Barclay Center for a NY Islanders game, among other items. The Super Silent and Silent Auctions were filled with premium wines, experience items, gift certificates to restaurants, exquisite clothing, home goods, artwork and more.
Thanks to the generous supporters and volunteers, the organization raised more than $300,000 to advance its local land conservation efforts. Photo Credit: North Shore Land Alliance.
It was truly an evening of celebrating conservation with $65,000 raised through a special appeal announced by Land Alliance Trustee and Vice Chair Hoyle Jones in support of the Land Alliance’s efforts to secure funding for a down payment towards the purchase of the Humes Japanese Stroll Garden. This past July the Land Alliance acquired the 28-acre Humes property in Mill Neck, which is one of the most environmentally significant properties in the North Shore community. The eight-acre Japanese Stroll Garden is adjacent to the Humes property and Shu Swamp Preserve and was created for Ambassador and Mrs. John P. Humes. The Garden is comprised of steep sloping terrain and is the finest example of a Japanese stroll garden in the Northeast United States, making the conservation of this land critical.
With its unique setting, festive atmosphere, elegant dinner and post-event dancing, the Wine Auction has quickly become one of Long Island’s most anticipated and treasured events. Photo Credit: North Shore Land Alliance.
To become a member or to learn more about the North Shore Land Alliance, visit www.northshorelandalliance.org.
The North Shore Land Alliance, Inc. (Land Alliance) is a nationally accredited land trust and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2003 by a group of passionate conservationists concerned about how quickly the natural landscape was changing.
The Land Alliance works to protect and preserve, in perpetuity, the green spaces, farmlands, wetlands, groundwater and historical sites of Long Island’s north shore for the enhancement of quality of life and the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.
For information about local land conservation, please contact the Land Alliance office at 516-626-0908, e-mail info@northshorelandalliance.org or visit www.northshorelandalliance.org.
