The invitation read “Come to the farm” and 250 people came to Crown Point Ecology Center on Saturday for a lovely summer evening at Taste of Earth.
Linda Shippy, who chaired the event, praised her committee and Development Director Ellen Otto for putting together the 18th annual summer party.
Two adorable baby goats greeted the guests, who sipped the signature cocktail, “Kicked-up Arnold Palmers,” as they looked over the silent auction items in the Century Barn. Mary Ann Jackson was looking for horse-themed gifts for her granddaughter while listening to the toe-tapping music of fiddler Mary Ann Roth.
James Lehman liked the grocery basket full of goodies.
“You can wheel it right out to your car,” he said.
Also placing bids were Mark Hemminger, Mary Briggs, Pat Brubacher, Roger Read, Marian Calvin, Pat Pacenta, Michael and Paula Connor and Joel Eagle.
Drs. Joseph and Michelle Blanda, and Ed and Libby Upton were VIP hosts. Susan Flowers introduced Maj. Kevin Jackson and his wife, Linda, who recently moved to the Akron area, where he is the new officer at the Salvation Army. Chloe and Sarah Weidrick offered chances for raffle prizes, including Dining around Akron and tickets to the Masters Golf Tournament.
In a large white tent, J.J. and Kevin Altomare of Hudson’s Catering and their staff prepared a summer feast, utilizing vegetables grown at Crown Point. Sister Charlene Moser O.P. gave the blessing before the delicious dinner, enjoyed by Dick and Mary Anne Krejci, Craig Libman, Jim Simon, Eileen Aebi, Marie Gore, Jerry Egan, Maureen Farris and. John Carter
Theresa Beyerle, who chairs the board of directors, introduced Monica Bongue, the new Crown Point executive director, who said she looks forward to continuing the mission of Crown Point to provide sustainable agriculture and environmental education programs.
Dick Kiko conducted the live auction where George Farris had the winning bid for a Chef’s Dinner at Prime 93, and Megan Weidrick and Paul Serpentini teamed up to win a steak roast at historic Valentine Farm and La Bonne Vie! a spectacular french dinner served by Simon and Libman.
Cheryl White was the winner of dining around Akron, and Diana Snyder won tickets to the Masters golf tournament.