Amy Krzanik reports from Richmond. Hats off to the folks who planned a fun summer gala where, as you can see below, most guests had their hats on. Berkshire HorseWorks, located at the Berkshire Equestrian Center, threw a fundraising derby-themed shindig on Saturday, July 15, complete with mint juleps, cucumber dill tea sandwiches, chocolate pecan pie and other Kentucky-fried favorites. Only In My Dreams Events, Soma Catering and music duo Hotshot Hillbillies helped to pull it off. Funds raised in a fast-paced live auction will go to fund the nonprofit’s equine-assisted psychotherapy and life skill development programs for those facing mental health and behavioral challenges. Some of the more than 400 Berkshire County neighbors HorseWorks has helped in its 3-plus years of existence include veterans, those on the autism spectrum, soon-to-be-released inmates, young girls recovering from trauma, and many others. [Above, a peek into the barn where dinner was served.]
Liana Toscanini of Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires and Barbara Schulman of Berkshire Property Agents; Berkshire HorseWorks founder Hayley Sumner with Alex Hodge, Isabelle Hodge and Carole Schulze.
Board member Barbara Newman, Kathleen Triem, Cindy and Jeff Caminiti and Peter Franck; Richard Wise and Rebekah Wise.
Jason Cuyler, Chelsey Ciolkowski, Cynthia Segui and Mark Massaro.
Jan Healey, Emily Mure and floral designer Evelyn Garstang; Mike Zippel and Oskar Hallig of Only In My Dreams Events flank the auction's "Vanna White," Aaron Johnson.
Barbara Schulman, Carrie Herrington and Keira Ritter; Mark Farrell and Terri See, creator of Mighty No Bitey.
Guests were invited to create, or add plumage to, their sun hats; table settings included fresh flower bouquets, blue ribbons and toy horses.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
