CLC Celebrates This Place We Call Home: Columbia County
Three extraordinary women were recognized for the differences they’ve made for the people and land.
Will Yandik, director of philanthropy for the National Young Farmers Coalition, with honoree Lindsey Lusher Shute
It felt like a massive group hug for Columbia County on Saturday, Sept. 28 as the Columbia Land Conservancy celebrated “This Place We Call Home.” A huge crowd of supporters gathered at Hudson Hall to “celebrate the community of people dedicated to stewarding the land with care,” said emcee Stephen Lang, actor and Kinderhook resident. The evening was also an occasion to laud the contributions of three remarkable women who have devoted years of time, talent and resources to the cause of conservation via the Columbia Land Conservancy. Honorees were volunteer Wendy Power Spielmann; Lindsey Lusher Shute, who co-founded and served as executive director of the National Young Farmers Coalition; and the late Judy Grunberg, whose generosity of spirit has left an indelible mark on the land and countless individuals and organizations. Following cocktails and a dinner catered by The Farmer’s Wife, the honorees were honored and a live auction raised thousands of dollars to support the CLC’s conservation efforts.
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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
