Bedford Hills, NY—Westchester Land Trust (WLT) will host its 2026 Annual Benefit, Hope on the Hudson: Where Land, Legacy, and Care Endure, on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at The Center at Mariandale in Ossining, NY. WLT’s largest annual fundraiser will bring together supporters, community leaders, and conservation advocates for an evening grounded in the powerful idea that hope is not passive; it is something built through care, commitment, and action.

This year’s event is rooted in a partnership that brings that idea to life. It will take place on land protected forever through a conservation easement held by Westchester Land Trust that is owned and stewarded by the Dominican Sisters of Hope—a lasting expression of what it means to choose hope for the future. Set beneath a tent with sweeping views of the Hudson River, the evening reflects the shared belief between WLT and the Sisters that when land is cared for with intention, it creates something that endures and continues to give for generations to come.

This year, WLT will honor three individuals and organizations whose work embodies that spirit.

The Preservation Award will be presented to the Dominican Sisters of Hope for their vision and leadership in permanently protecting their land at The Center at Mariandale. In 2018, the Sisters partnered with Westchester Land Trust to conserve 34 acres of their 61-acre property, safeguarding meadows, wetlands, and woodlands along a nearly one-mile stretch of Hudson River shoreline. Their decision and their continued care of the ecological values of this special place, reflects a profound act of faith in the future, ensuring that this landscape remains a place of reflection, ecological vitality, and connection forever.

“We have always believed that caring for the Earth is an expression of hope,” said Sister Lorelle Elcock, a member of the Dominican Sisters of Hope who was prioress of the parish when the land at Mariandale was protected. “We care out of a hope for future generations, and hope for a more just and compassionate world. We were proud to partner with Westchester Land Trust to ensure this special place remains protected forever, and we’re honored to welcome supporters here on June 6 to ensure more land can be protected and cared for into the future.”

The Cultivating Community Award will be presented to Allison Turcan, community farmer at Westchester Land Trust’s Sugar Hill Farm in Bedford Hills for seven years and founder of Dealing in Good (DIG) Farm in North Salem. At Sugar Hill Farm, Turcan leads volunteers twice per week throughout the growing season, guiding hands-on work that produces more than 10,000 servings of nutrient-rich vegetables annually. This harvest is donated to food pantries in Katonah and Mount Vernon, and is turned into prepared meals, nourishing both people and their connection to the land. Turcan is a cherished leader in Westchester’s agricultural community, teaching farming skills to countless volunteers, with a focus on young people who will become the growers and stewards of Westchester’s farmland in the future.

“There’s something powerful about growing food together and getting your hands in the soil,” said Turcan. “It gives people a sense of purpose, of connection, and of hope that even seemingly small actions can nourish a community. Every seed planted, every meal shared, is a reminder that we can take care of each other through our care of the land.”

The Community Volunteer Award will be presented to Doug Mancinelli, founder of the North Castle Vine Cutters. Doug first became involved in this work while volunteering with Westchester Land Trust several years ago. Inspired by his experience and the people he met, Doug launched a community-based vine cutting program in North Castle, mobilizing volunteers to care for local forests and protect native habitats from invasive species.

“I started as a volunteer just wanting to help out, and what I learned is simple—you don’t need to be an environmental expert to make a real difference. You just need to act,” said Mancinelli. “That experience gave me a sense of hope and the motivation to bring that same kind of commitment and energy back to my own community.”

“At its core, this event is about the hope that people bring to our work,” said Kara Whelan, President of Westchester Land Trust. “WLT is a connector of people to places they care about, and people with each other. In addition to raising critical funds for our land preservation mission, our Annual Benefit brings together hundreds of people who care deeply about these connections. The Dominican Sisters of Hope made a decision to permanently protect their land. This selfless choice will outlive all of us. Allison and Doug are inspiring hundreds of people by doing the daily, hands-on work of care. Together, our honorees remind us that hope is something we create together, over time, and that we are leaving a legacy to be proud of.”

WLT’s Annual Benefit supports the organization’s work to protect land, steward natural resources, and expand access to the outdoors across Westchester and eastern Putnam counties. This year’s event invites guests to reflect not only on what has been protected, but on the shared responsibility and opportunity to carry that hope forward.

Guests will enjoy hand-crafted signature cocktails, a seasonal meal prepared by Marcia Selden Catering, live music and dancing, a live and silent auction with a range of experiences and one-of-a-kind items, and WLT’s ever-popular wine pull.

A talented volunteer benefit committee is being led by Honorary Co-Chairs Lori Ensinger, former President of Westchester Land Trust, and Laura Rossi, Vice President of The New York Community Trust, Westchester, along with Benefit Committee Co-Chairs Jessica Watts and Jennifer Wege. The committee is made up of Elyse Arnow Brill, Ava Cohn, Sarah Coldwell, Michelle Dellorusso, Brendon DeSimone, Laura Desmarais, Annie Farrell, David Jacobs, Kylan Johnson, Patty Kravit, Zoraida Lopez-Diago, Lee Manning Vogelstein, Susan Markowitz, Susan Oakley, Donna Schwartz, Hannah Sharkey, Norma Silva, Karen Simons, Mike Surdej, Allison Tamburelli, and Amanda Victoria.

Tickets, sponsorships, underwriting opportunities, and additional ways to support the event are available by contacting Carolina Cooney at carolina@westchesterlandtrust.org or 914-234-6992 ext. 19, or by visiting westchesterlandtrust.org.

We acknowledge that our region is within the traditional territories of the Lenape people and that their culture and traditions live on today.