Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center Draws Record Crowd for Annual Gala

Old Lyme, CT – Connecticut Audubon’s Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center this month celebrated a record-setting year for its annual gala fundraiser along the banks of the Lieutenant River. The organization in a news release said attendance at The Wonder of Bonsai: Transforming Native Plants, held Sept. 18, was the largest in the event’s 11 year history.

The tented cocktail party brought together supporters for an evening celebrating the natural environment while raising funds for the center’s science-based environmental education programs. The event committee, pictured left to right, included Anne Hincks, Jackie Crawley, Christina Ward, Anne McNulty, Nancy Morris, Alisha Milardo, Frank Jarrabeck, Alison McCall, Tizzy Bannister, Christine Bensche, Claudia Weicker and Erin Schaaf.

Chaired by Alison McCall and led by Erin Schaaf, The Wonder of Bonsai celebrated native plants of the Connecticut River watershed through the ancient art of bonsai. Bonsai experts showcased sculptural native bonsai trees and demonstrated how techniques used to shape and cultivate plants can inspire environmentally conscious approaches to gardens and landscapes while supporting healthy local ecosystems.

Guests enjoyed live steel drum music, hot lobster rolls, a dumpling bar, freshly shucked oysters, heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails by Coffee’s Country Market, along with live and silent auctions. Schaaf estimated more than 200 people attended.

Organizers said the record funds raised reflected the community’s strong support for the center and its work throughout the region. Proceeds will help the organization continue to connect thousands of people with the natural world each year through educational programming while helping to protect the Connecticut River estuary.