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Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast hosts night of nature

Palm Ball Woods of Wonder was held Feb. 2 at Bay Preserve at Osprey.


  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 8:30 a.m. February 2, 2019
  • Black Tie
  • Share

Trumpets sounded as guests drove up the gravel driveway to the Bay Preserve at Osprey, parking in front of the former home of Honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson.

The annual Palm Ball Woods of Wonder for Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast brought guests into nature for an evening of cocktails, dinner and outdoor-based auction items. For the paddle raise, each tier of giving had a gift along with it, from horseback riding to dinner in the woods. 

To conclude the evening, guests left with a copy of "The Hidden Life of Trees."

Funds from the evening go towards the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast's mission of protecting the natural integrity of the area's bays, beaches, barrier islands and watersheds. 

Co-Chairwomen Elizabeth Moore, Bianca Lawrence and Mickey Davis, Honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson and President Christine Johnson
Co-Chairwomen Elizabeth Moore, Bianca Lawrence and Mickey Davis, Honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson and President Christine Johnson
Richard Lawrence and Chris Gelvin
Richard Lawrence and Chris Gelvin
Sabrina Cumming, Ariel Sasloe and Casey Dowd
Sabrina Cumming, Ariel Sasloe and Casey Dowd
Dinner was held underneath the tent on the grounds.
Dinner was held underneath the tent on the grounds.
The centerpieces stood high above the tables.
The centerpieces stood high above the tables.
The paddle raise had a pledge item with each tier.
The paddle raise had a pledge item with each tier.
Dinner was catered by Michael's On East.
Dinner was catered by Michael's On East.
Candles and lights decorated the tables.
Candles and lights decorated the tables.
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has protected lands throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has protected lands throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Succulents hung from the tent ceiling.
Succulents hung from the tent ceiling.
Gabriella Palmer and Mary Evelyn Guyton
Gabriella Palmer and Mary Evelyn Guyton
Allyson and Jose Joia with Page Knoebel
Allyson and Jose Joia with Page Knoebel
Cameron Deems and Mackenzie Baker
Cameron Deems and Mackenzie Baker
David Cussen, Tom Peter and John Lockwood
David Cussen, Tom Peter and John Lockwood
Helen Volonakis, Lee Amos and Debi Osbourne
Helen Volonakis, Lee Amos and Debi Osbourne
Tammy Dentici, Angie Nutter and Michelle Young
Tammy Dentici, Angie Nutter and Michelle Young
John and Barbara Teller with Dina and Graeme Malloch
John and Barbara Teller with Dina and Graeme Malloch
Entertainment rang through the grounds.
Entertainment rang through the grounds.
Glenn Reith and Renee Phinney
Glenn Reith and Renee Phinney
Terri Klauber
Terri Klauber
At the end of the night, guests received a copy of
At the end of the night, guests received a copy of "The Hidden Life of Trees."
Anita Holec, Pamela Lockwood and June Cussen
Anita Holec, Pamela Lockwood and June Cussen
Danielle and Dayne Ford
Danielle and Dayne Ford
Christine and Herald Johnson with Kyle Ruffing and Kristen Paulus
Christine and Herald Johnson with Kyle Ruffing and Kristen Paulus
Meg Lowman
Meg Lowman

 

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