Release Date: May 17, 2021

Bedford, NY—Westchester Land Trust is pleased to announce the return of its annual fundraiser to support its land protection and stewardship efforts. While the Annual Benefit will be a scaled down version from its usual 350-person gala, this year’s event features private tours at several of the most unique properties the land trust has protected throughout its history. This year’s honorees offer a glimpse into the important ways individuals have helped WLT protect nearly 9,000 acres since its founding.

“This year, in light of COVID-19 driving record numbers of people to the land, our mission is more important than ever before: preserve it now or lose it forever,” said Bruce Churchill, Chairman of WLT’s Board of Directors. “With a renewed sense of urgency, we have intensified our land protection efforts, and we look forward to saluting this year’s honorees – Steve, Michael, Jamie, and Daniel – and the many in our community who have a role in stewarding and preserving natural lands.”

This year’s benefit offers supporters the opportunity to attend intimate outdoor tours at exclusive properties permanently protected by WLT, including a behind-the-scenes look at the Otter Creek Preserve in Mamaroneck, a stroll through the distinctive Rocky Hills Estate in Mount Kisco, and a trip back in time at WLT’s first conservation easement in Katonah, among other locations. Tour tickets include wine and gourmet boxed lunches by Marcia Selden Catering.

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve received so far in early sponsorships, ticket sales, and committee participation,” said Michelle Culbert, Development Manager. “In addition to the tours, our committee has curated themed baskets featuring locally sourced goods for those who want to support the event but skip the private tours and hit the trails on their own.”

Westchester Land Trust’s Annual Benefit Committee includes: Robin Ashley, Brittany Bromley, Gianna Caiola, Brendon DeSimone, Amy Ferguson, Patti Howard, Angelina Lipman, Lee Manning-Vogelstein, Chloe Massey, Nancy Nygreen, Ellen Reimer, Janelle Robbins, Jen Schwartz, Karen Simons, Michael Surdej, Jennifer Wege, Aimee Whitman, and Jamie Wolff.

Event sponsors include: Aker Advisors, Houlihan Lawrence, Cerity Partners, Benchmark Title Agency, and The Westchester Bank.

ABOUT OUR HONOREES

Lifetime Achievement Award: Stephen Beckwith

Stephen Beckwith of Waccabuc has been a longtime supporter of Westchester Land Trust and was a member of the Board of Directors from 2010-2019 focusing on the financial stability of the organization and helping to launch its planned giving program. Throughout his career at Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Stephen held several positions, beginning as a research analyst and continuing on to become a chief financial officer, board member, and executive committee member. Stephen holds degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Business School. A passionate philanthropist, Stephen supports many charitable organizations including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYU Institute of Fine Arts, Regional Plan Association, Lotos Foundation, AFS-USA, and Waccabuc Landowners Council. He and his wife Patricia have three children and live in Waccabuc.

Preservation ANGEL Award: Michael and Jamie Wolff

Twenty years ago, Michael and Jamie Wolff moved to Westchester in search of a place where their family would be surrounded by trees, fields, and animals, and put their roots down in Pound Ridge. They firmly believe that natural lands should be protected for the generations to come and in 2006, they worked with WLT to preserve four acres of their property forever through a conservation easement. Michael is the Senior Vice President of Federated Investors and Jamie is the Vice President of Wealth Management for UBS Bell and Levitt Wealth Management Group. They have two children and love to ride horses throughout the region.

Youth Conservation Award: Daniel Ricci

Daniel Ricci of Mamaroneck is a dedicated young conservationist who was introduced to WLT through volunteering, later earning the rank of Eagle Scout through stewardship work at our Otter Creek Preserve, and even completing his senior internship with us. Passionate about climate change, he co-founded a local composting project and even became a vegetarian to reduce his own carbon footprint. Daniel currently studies environmental engineering at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Please note all events will take place outdoors with social distancing enforced. All events will comply with New York State COVID safety guidelines on gatherings to ensure we are taking every precaution possible. Visit westchesterlandtrust.org for ticket information or call Michelle Culbert for details: Michelle@westchesterlandtrust.org or 914.234.6992 ext. 22.