Twilight Soiree Gives Back Naturally
August 23, 2018 by Rose Nemunaitis

Plentiful green space illustrates a significant characteristic of Geauga County, and for 30 years, one independent nonprofit foundation has been going strong in its commitment to helping preserve and conserve such areas.

Plentiful green space illustrates a significant characteristic of Geauga County, and for 30 years, one independent nonprofit foundation has been going strong in its commitment to helping preserve and conserve such areas.

The Foundation for Geauga Parks’ primary fundraising event, “Twilight Soiree,” will be held Aug. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the new Geauga Park District’s Claridon Woodlands Park in Claridon Township.

“We will be showing people how the foundation helps enhance our county,” said Casey Forbes, Foundation for Geauga Parks vice-president. “We help bring people into the parks. Everyone in the county benefits from the green spaces we have — fifth-graders, dog walkers, hikers, bikers, trail riders, stargazers, flower children, wildlife wonderers, tree huggers, kayakers, picnickers and families.”

He added, ”I am proud of this event. I am proud of the effort everyone has put forth to make this an exhilarating evening.”

The foundation was created to raise money to fund community engagement with nature through education, preservation, conservation and appreciation for the county’s natural character.

The Foundation for Geauga Parks’ accomplishments include helping to purchase land for the Geauga Park District’s The Rookery, The West Woods and Observatory Park.

Foundation President Jeff Hyde said most parks in the county are taxpayer funded through levies.

“Our work helps make those parks better,” Hyde said. “We have raised money for buying land like the Modroo Farm (habitat restoration), The West Woods and Observatory Park, for new buildings, like The West Woods Nature Center and refurbishment of the Nassau Station, and for naturalist programs like Nature Scopes. We also help pay for bussing, so Geauga County schools can send students to programs in the parks.

“Our work and mission encompasses all parks in the county, not just the Geauga Park District. They are an important partner, but we are not exclusive to them, nor do they have any say in our decisions.”

In collaboration with the Geauga Park District, the popular Nature Scopes program supports Ohio’s curriculum for nature-based, hands-on activities outdoors with the objective to encourage exploration and interaction with nature.

“Ask any former fifth-grader about Nature Scopes. Most often they will tell you that was the best part of the school year. And most still have and use the binoculars we fund,” said Forbes, of South Russell Village.

In 2017, the foundation donated $25,000 for binoculars and field guides for the program.

“The programs and facilities throughout the county and township parks are great,” Forbes said.

“Twilight Soiree” tickets are $100 and include an evening in Claridon Township with a rescued raptor presentation by Harvey Webster of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, live music by the “Real Deal String Band,” featuring Geauga Park District Naturalist Dan Best, and interactive displays featuring foundation-supported projects.

“Harvey Webster from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will be there doing a demonstration with live raptors, so that should be worth the price of admission alone,” Hyde said.

The event also includes refreshments, food trucks, gift bags and a silent auction.

 

Silent auction items offer a variety of special nature experiences like a Nassau Station viewing party with cocktails and appetizers for 20, and a one-of-a-kind maple sap bucket painted by famous local artist Bob Kolcum.

“Twilight Soiree is going to be a blast,” Hyde said. “We’ve all been to lots of fundraising events and felt it was time to try something a little different. Our event is going to be more of a celebration of the people, projects and places we support. It is a fundraiser, so people have to buy tickets, but other than a raffle basket and some really unique silent auction items, we aren’t doing traditional fundraising activities like a paddle raise. We want people to enjoy a fun casual evening with great food and drinks, live music, things to do and see, rub elbows with interesting people and have a great time.”

Hyde said beyond raising money for the foundation, one of his greatest hopes for this event is to bring people together.

“We do monthly hikes in parks across the county and I’m always amazed at the interesting people who show up and share a common interest in nature and passion for the great parks we have in this county,” Hyde said. “It’s not just tree huggers. We get people of all ages, walks of life and interests. I hope ‘Twilight Soiree’ brings together and connects even more like-minded people who care about our community, our parks, education and the environment.”

Geauga Park District Executive Director John Oros said he and his wife, April, are excited to attend the fundraiser as well.

“It is a premier social event and a key fundraising endeavor that benefits our great Geauga County Parks,” Oros said. “As the executive director, I am hopeful this event will give many of our county residents who would like to experience the foundation for the first time the opportunity to join us.  I look forward to seeing you there.”

“Twilight Soiree” tickets can be purchased online at Foundation for Geauga Parks website.