Planting Fields Hosts "Moveable Feast" Gala

By Niall Fitzgerald

The beautiful gardens and historic mansion of Coe Hall at Planting Fields were the setting of this years lavish benefit Gala for the Planting Fields Foundation under the theme of "A Moveable Feast."

The event kicked off the summer season on the North Shore, and raised over $275,000 to maintain the historic 409-acre Olmsted Brothers-designed landscape and to provide rich educational experiences for learners of all ages and abilities.

The event was chaired by Bernadette Castro, Hannah Burns, Debra Del Vecchio, and Jenny Smith, with notable guests including Congressman Tom Suozzi, Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, former Huntington Town Attorney Deborah Misir, Emmy-award winning actress Susan Lucci, Long Island State Parks Regional Director George Gorman, News 12 Anchors Caroline Flynn and Alex Calamia, Angela Anton of Anton Media, and Grant Lally, publisher of the North Shore Leader.

Upon arriving at the historic mansion, Coe Hall, guests were transported back in time to enjoy cocktails and lite bites in the iconic setting. At the finish of cocktail hour, guests were led to a marquee on the West Lawn, where they delighted in a delicious summer menu catered by Elegant Affairs, sipped on refreshing drinks, and partook in an exciting live auction led by Bernadette Castro.

"What a lovely elegant evening," stated Deborah Misir. "And what an invaluable treasure we all have in the beautiful grounds and historic mansion at Coe Hall, and the educational programs that Planting Fields provides to local children and adults." 

Remarks were given by Planting Fields Foundation Board Chairman, Duncan Sahner, and President and CEO, Dr. Gina J. Wouters.

Special guests in attendance included CeCe Haydock, Bao Bao Lin, Terri and Peter Keogh, S.J. Tilden, Angelo and Connie Silveri, Howard and Roz Kroplick, Lisa and Gil Ott, Carol and Jim Large, Nazee and Roddy Klotz, Avanti and Juno Madan, and Sandy Pearson.

Planting Fields Foundation is a not-for-profit that strives to make relevant to all audiences the heritage of Planting Fields through ongoing landscape and architectural preservation, education programs, exhibitions, and community engagement. Learn more at www.plantingfields.org