To the Editors:
Many thanks to the near 200 friends and generous supporters who gathered on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Silver Spring Country Club to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of The Friends of Ambler Farm. After an enjoyable cocktail hour, Alison Semple, co-chair of the event with Jen Hulse and Kelly Lash, welcomed the gathered guests and thanked everyone who had had a hand in the success of Ambler Farm over the last 10 years. Gail Lavielle honored the farm by presenting it with a citation from the State of Connecticut commemorating Ambler’s mission and achievements. After dinner, remarks from Ambler’s own Kevin Meehan were followed by a touching video, produced gratis for the farm, by Morgan and Lisa Driscoll of Caffeine Media. We are grateful to them for this invaluable and precious contribution to the celebration.
The evening was emceed by the dynamic duo of Heather Borden Herve, of Good Morning Wilton and Meghan Smith Harris, editor of The Wilton Magazine. Together they led an entertaining Live Auction and Call to Action raising significant funds for the final restoration phase of the Raymond Ambler House. Special thanks to the following donors who contributed towards the auction: Tall Trees Landscaping, NBC, Steven Mancini Salon, Nutmeg Limos, Deirdre Mannix, Barcelona Restaurants, The Cake Boutique, Open House, Signature Style, Stew Leonard’s Wines, Jennifer and Anthony Andre, Outdoor Sports, Zulu Nyala Tours, The Hermitage at Haystack Mountain, The Ranch at Rock Creek and JetBlue Airways.
The evening included a live performance by the band, Otis and the Hurricanes. Guests danced the night away to their authentic bluegrass music.
Many thanks to the gala sponsors which included The Amadeo Family, Alison and David Semple, The Village Market, Aetheria Relaxation Spa, Bankwell, Deane Inc. and Terry Scarborough and Deloitte. Media sponsors of the event were GoodMorningWilton and Wilton Magazine.
The evening’s incredible success would not have been possible without the amazing gala committee behind it. Ambler recognizes and appreciates the talent and time given by Mary Pat Brody, Robin Clune, Lilliane Cooke, Debbie Corrigan, Beth Culnane, Eve Donovan, Elizabeth Etzbach, Buffy Goodwin, JoAnn Gulbin, Stacey Holmen, Ashley Kineon, Jill Lillis, Laurie Masonson, Beth McCarthy, Jeanne Robertson, Terry Scarborough and Erin Woolard.
Again, many thanks to all who contributed towards the accomplishment of the first ever Gala to benefit Ambler Farm. Let’s see what the next 10 years bring!
Jennifer Hulse, Kelly Lash and Alison Semple
Gala co-chairs
Wilton, Nov. 24