Rachel Louchen reports from Rhinebeck. Built in 1852, Wilderstein Historic Site is a Cape Anne-style mansion that, thanks to generous contributors and dedicated staff and volunteers, doesn’t look a day over 50. Those people and more gathered on the extensive lawns on Saturday, July 11th for the Summer Celebration benefit fundraiser. The former home of three generations of the Suckley family, most notably Margaret “Daisy" Suckley, a cousin of Franklin D. Roosevelt who opened the house to the public and created the Wilderstein Preservation in 1984. Daisy would be happy to see the care her beloved home has received over the years, including various restorations that are funded by events like these. A jazz band played while guests enjoyed cocktails and food, perused the silent auction and tried to narrow down which pie to bid on in the dessert auction. There were croquet matches, outdoor sculpture, gardens, trail and outdoor games, but many guests chose to simply enjoy the sights. Parasols, picnic blankets and pillows were scattered about the lawn so attendees could lie back, relax and enjoy the spectacular Hudson River views on this perfect cloudless day, much like Daisy would have. Above, Stan Sagner and Executive Director Greg Sokaris.
Supporter Marlon Taylor-Miles with committee member Miles Dallas; Yvonne Paulin and Greg Durkin donated to the silent auction.
Wilderstein supporters Lara Gillet and Michele Tugade; David and Linda Souers of Rhinebeck.
Debra and Arthur Eisenberg are neighbors in Rhinebeck; the perfect example of a Queen Anne-style country house.
Board member Tess Casey was instrumental in organizing the event, here with board president Brian Lang and Robin Waxenberg, who helped promote the fundraiser.
Classic car for a classic home; Rhinebeck residents Amy and Rachael Scorca.
Members Dorothy and Terrance Mahon of Rhinebeck; Erica Obey and George Baird came from Woodstock to support the Wilderstein.
Jewelry designer Lisa Salzer and Marjorie Wolfson from New York City; one-of-a-kind Hudson River views.
Patricia Heller, proprietor of a Mountain View Retreat in Germantown, board member Christine Foreace and Barbara Markell take advantage of the parasols.
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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
