Arboretum Celebrates Successful Holiday Dinner & Auction;

Tickets Drawn for Winning MINI Cooper, Quilt Raffles

ESPERANCE, NY (12/21/2007)(readMedia)-- A capacity crowd gathered, socialized, dined, and bid at the annual December 8 festive diner & auction to support the Landis Arboretum.

The event, held this year at The Crossings of Colonie (Loudonville), attracted Arboretum supporters from throughout the Capital Region for the three-course dinner, for the silent, mystery,and live auctions,and for raffle drawings for a 2007 MINI Cooper and hand-crafted quilt. Popular auctioneer Randy Passonno, president of Collar City Auctions (Delanson), spearheaded the bidding. In all, the event raised more than $6,000 in operating funds for the Capital Region’s Arboretum.

Winning raffle participants

2007 MINI Cooper Raffle Instantly recognizable by its unique styling, the MINI is considered to be a compact powerhouse whose near-instant and widespread popularity has made it a break-through highway icon.

  • First prize: 2007 MINI Cooper or cash value: Elizabeth and Richard Groves,West Hampton, NY
  • 2nd Prize: $250. Sonja Javarone, Gloversville
  • 3rd Prize: $150. John McKeeby, Esperance

Arboretum Hand-sewn Quilt Stephen Brabetz of Amsterdam, NY, won the annual Arboretum quilt offering in a Migrating Geese and Cobblestones pattern.

Herman Finkbeiner (Rexford), a longstanding member and supporter of the Arboretum, drew the winning ticket for the beautiful 64 x 85 hand-sewn, cotton quilt with batting.

Arboretum volunteer Toine Wyckoff (Niskayuna) donated and assembled the pieces that comprise the comely quilt. Well-known Voorheesville craftsman Lew “Quiltsmith” Schedlbauer combined and stitched the pattern to backing.

According to Landis Trustee Bonnie Keller, Vice President, NBT Bank (Duanesburg)who chaired the event, “We were gratified by the turnout and support of our members and their guests. It was a memorable and high-spirited event that reflected most favorably on the months of planning and hard work of the event committee.”

She credits committee members Anne Donnelly (Lawyersville), Henrietta Dunn (Duanesburg), Dottie Gallo-Vojnar (Sweet Tooth Caterers, Esperance), Vicki Hazzard (Cherry Valley), and Vincent of Plantscapes (Duanesburg) for their major contributions to the evening. More than 60 individuals and area business contributed goods and services for the festive evening. The multi-talented Rockin' Reverend Rick Hill and Tom White (Schoharie) provided the musical entertainment.

“Our committee created a festive, holiday shopping and social experience that guests found enjoyable and stress-free,” said Ms. Keller. “Many said they are already looking ahead to what we’ll do next year!”

Year-round Multi-faceted Jewel

The Landis Arboretum is a multifaceted natural jewel. Its 548 acres straddle both Montgomery and Schoharie Counties and encompass noteworthy trees, shrubs, two old growth forests and, of course, breath-taking vistas and beautiful gardens. Long a destination of choice among Capital District gardeners, environmentalists, nature lovers, hikers, bikers, and birders, the Landis Arboretum has been one of the best-kept secrets of the northern Catskills. Its vast, dark skies serve as a haven for Albany Area Amateur Astronomers who regularly host Star Parties that are open to the public.

The Arboretum is central to the New York State Wine and Spa Trails and in close proximity to historic Sharon Springs. Landis is a natural stop and respite for those traveling to tourist attractions between the Albany, Cooperstown, and Finger Lakes Regions.

The Landis Arboretum is located 1.5 miles off scenic-designated Route 20 in Esperance, NY, a beautiful and easy drive from throughout the Capital Region. The grounds of Landis are open daily, year-round, from dawn until dusk. www.landisarboretum.org, info@landisarboretum.org, 518-875-6935.