Celebrate our unique Upper Delaware River region and twenty years of conservation and education with the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at the 7th annual Foods of the Delaware Highlands Gala on April 26 starting at 5 p.m.

The theme of the gala dinner, “Love where you live!” highlights our working farms and forests and the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in the Upper Delaware River region.

The popular event, held at Hawley’s Settlers Inn, features a four-course farm-to-table dinner and wine tasting followed by an exciting live auction led by Sean Strub.

The evening begins with a wine tasting and silent auction celebrating the generous bounty of our local businesses and products at 5:00 p.m. and a special 20th anniversary dinner at 7:00 p.m. The live auction and raffle for a case of fine wines caps the celebration during dessert. Gala tickets are $150 per person, which includes a $90 charitable gift to the Conservancy.

The Conservancy’s Foods of the Delaware Highlands Gala Committee includes Betsy DuBois, Molly Flewharty, Conservancy Board President Michael Geitz, Jeanne Genzlinger, Amy Litzenberger, Mary Sue Price, Keith Williams, and Brenda Ruello, who states, “The theme of loving where you live reminds of me a favorite quote, that we must try to do ‘all the good we can, by all the means we can, in all the places we can, to all the people we can, as long as ever we can.’”

The nonprofit Delaware Highlands Conservancy works in partnership with landowners and communities of the Upper Delaware River region to conserve our natural heritage and quality of life. Founded in 1994, the Conservancy is celebrating its 20th anniversary and more than 14,000 acres of lands and waters protected.

Delicious gourmet cuisine will be prepared by Settlers Inn Chef and Conservancy Board Member Grant Genzlinger and his staff using locally grown ingredients. Menu highlights include Blooming Grove troutlings with tomato culi and spring lamb with white bean cassoulet. Vegetarian options are also available.

The live and silent auctions offer exciting selections including a one-week stay in a spacious apartment in Rome, cooking lessons at the Culinary Institute of America, a relaxing getaway at the Lodge at Woodloch, a day of sporting clays, and a day of guided fly fishing.

Visit Delaware Highlands Conservancy website in early April to view our full slate of auction items.  If you are unable to attend the dinner, but would still like to bid on an auction item, please email the Conservancy at: info@delawarehighlands.org or call 570-226-3164 or 845-583-1010 to make arrangements.

Sincere thanks to generous gala sponsors: Conservators Greg Belcamino and Judith Welcom, Michael and Elizabeth Geitz, Amy and Bob Litzenberger, and Sam and Brenda Ruello; Guardians Joe Cohen, Clement and Mary Sue Price, Richard Snyder and Birgit Maio, John and Donna Ross, and Lorraine and Gordon DiPaolo; and Stewards Sue Currier, Jane Cyphers and Joe Levine, Michael Elf and Frank Bonello, Molly Flewharty and Michael Babey, Grant and Jeanne Genzlinger, Tom and Jean Hoff, Joe Levine, Rebecca and Richard Lindsey, Greg and Patricia Lutfy, Karen and Charles Lutz, Jeffrey and Robin Moore, Clark and Peggy Pitcairn, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Henry and Eve Skier, Andrew and Jules Wilshinsky, and Barbara Yeaman.

“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, we are especially grateful for the generosity of our community which has allowed us to accomplish so much,” says Executive Director Sue Currier. “As we look toward the next twenty years and all that we can accomplish together, that support is more critical than ever toward sustaining our working farms and forests, pristine waters, and habitat for wildlife like the bald eagle.”

Opportunities to support the Delaware Highlands Conservancy as a dinner sponsor are available, at levels in recognition of our 20th anniversary that will not only help to make the gala dinner a success but set the stage for the next twenty years of conservation.

The Conservator level for $3,000 includes 4 guaranteed tickets to the dinner and a $500 credit for use in the live auction. The Guardian level for $1,500 includes 2 guaranteed tickets to the dinner and a $250 credit for use in the live auction. The Steward level for $750 includes 2 guaranteed tickets to the dinner. Sponsorships are a charitable contribution to the Conservancy less $60 per person attending.

Reserve your seat or sponsor the 7th annual Foods of the Delaware Highlands Gala today by contacting the Conservancy at: info@delawarehighlands.org or 570-226-3164 or 845-583-1010. 

3/10/2014