Geauga Parks “Twilight Soiree”

More than 200 people attended the second annual Twilight Soiree, a benefit to support the Foundation for Geauga Parks.

Presented at the quaint Veterans Legacy Woods in Newbury, the evening featured live music, live rescued wildlife, food trucks, a silent auction and more.

Guests enjoyed a selection of light and heavy appetizers, cocktails and food trucks from Manna and WoodFire Baking. The benefit also featured a presentation by Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Ambassador and Chief Wildlife Officer Harvey Webster.

There were previews of the new Skywatchers Club with members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society as well as a raffle throughout the event, co-chaired by Casey Forbes and Claudia Toth. The Real Deal String Band performed music on the back deck.

The mission of the non-profit organization is to raise money and fund community engagement with nature through education, preservation, conservation and the appreciation of the unique natural character of Geauga County.

Among its initiatives, the Foundation has purchased more than 8,000 binoculars and field guides, allowing every fifth grade student in Geauga County to participate in Nature Scopes, as well as introduced young and old to the parks through the Explorers Series. Donations to the Foundation have also resulted in the construction of a new trail along the Chagrin River at their Scenic River Retreat. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY SUE REID