(L to R): Conservancy Board Member Debby Capela with husband Kevin plus Alison Marincek and Chuck Abookire, whose first date was at Brandywine Falls.

Ken Paull, Board Member Michelle Johnson and Deputy Superintendent Karen Dorn enjoy elevated moments in the park.

If your idea of a fabulous fundraiser involves dressing casually for a night outside in a gorgeous setting with a band so good guests can’t resist grooving to the music (by Abby Normal & the Detroit Lean), not to mention food trucks and plenty of beverages, then sign up for next year’s Elevation as soon as possible. It’s the Conservancy for CVNP’s annual casual fundraiser (the more formal Topography is the night after) that’s primarily about fun. Both events raised more than $100,000 for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s(CVNP’s) Trails Now Fund which provides funding for trail maintenance, visitor amenities and new trailheads. Since the events began 13 years ago, Elevation and Topography have raised nearly $1.5 million. Perhaps Elevation’s best feature is: It’s reasonably priced and there are no speeches! This year’s event took place on a sizzling summer solstice evening (June 21) and was a sell-out. “We had 518 sign up,” says Deb Yandala, president and

Incoming Board Member Joanne Kim (left) lives in the middle of the park with husband Jim Nash, former board chair (center.) Kim makes ramp pesto from wild ramps she collects off-trail. Elevation’s canine supporter is Jasper, President & CEO Deb Yandala’s newest acquisition.

CEO of the Conservancy. Elevation has topped 400 in past years, but the word’s getting out. Park enthusiasts gathered around Indigo Lake for the second year in a row and were happy to share their most elevated moments in the CVNP.
“I think it’s the magic of watching kids discover nature. Whether it’s tadpoles or frogs in the ponds, it’s just wonderful to witness,” Yandala says. Jennifer Bako, director of marketing and communications, says it was the night last year when she saw three beavers swimming under a full moon at Beaver Marsh. Others chose more popular spots such as Brandywine Falls and the Ledges Trail. But Allison Marincek and Chuck Abookire had a romantic reason for selecting Brandywine Falls. “He took me there on our first date,” Allison exclaimed. That was 2.5 years ago and evidently a solid foundation for their relationship.
Conservancy Board member Debby Capela gave the only man-made answer. “I’m in awe of how the [Boston Mill] Visitor Center turned out.” Capela is a product line manager at Cargill. Cargill sponsored the Visitor Center, but her enthusiasm is motivated by how the Center looks and functions as the Park’s nerve center, especially for new visitors. Ken Paull is on the Conservancy’s philanthropic committee. We were standing in his elevated moment: “It’s right here–moving our fundraisers to Indigo Lake was a great idea.” (Elevation and Topography used to be hosted out of the Ledges Shelter.) Board Member Michelle Johnson’s mood was elevated when her niece and nephew visited from Chicago and came to the park. “They climbed on rocks, played in the caves and had a really good time.” Deputy Superintendent Karen Dorn says her elevated moment was returning to work in the CVNP. “I started my career here 38 years ago and came back in 2022. I was here for the park’s tenth anniversary and I’m looking forward to celebrating its 50th [at the end of 2024 and all next year.]”
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARAH JAQUAY. See www.conservancyforCVNP.org for more info.