Friends of Connetquot Gala 2008

Once again, supporters showered the Friends with their generosity. While, thankfully, Mother Nature did not shower us with rain, but did contribute a splendid day for the Gala festivities. Friends’ president, Bob Labuski welcomed those in attendance and the traditional equestrian parade followed.

In recognition of the importance that the hatchery and trout fishing hold for the Park, this year the Friends’ board chose to highlight these features at the Gala (even though when this decision was made, the impending closing of the hatchery was not yet an issue of which the Friends were aware). To help us with this program, we enlisted the help of several fishing clubs that generously responded by setting up interesting fly-tying, fly casting, and other fishing-related demonstrations. Two chapters of Trout Unlimited sent presenters: George Costa and Gil Miller from the Art Flick Chapter; Jay Mooney and Peter Harris from the Long Island Chapter. Presenters from other clubs were: Wolfgang Porte and Herman Abrams from Long Island Flyrodders, as well as Arthur Prevette and our long-time friend Dr. Richard Steinberger from Idle Hour Fly Fishers.

Everyone took full advantage of the available activities. Some people were interested in the hay-wagon ride to the hatchery (contributed by The Hay Loft and driven by Jerry Trapani and Ken Wilvert), while others opted to take the horse and carriage ride around the Park’s grounds (provided by Authentic Carriage Co.). Loyal friend and carver, Jamie Reason was there with his carving demonstration. Also falconer, Tom Lowe brought his Harris’s Hawk for a return engagement.

Under the dining tent, appetizers of various cheeses, fresh fruit, smoked goose and other delicacies whetted the guest’s appetite for the large array of gourmet dishes that restaurants—such as Snapper Inn, Irish Coffee Pub, Riverview, Viva La Vida, and others (please see complete list that follows)—magnanimously contributed. For the diners’ pleasure, Little Toby Walker set a lively atmosphere with his snappy music. For the dessert course, the tone turned serene with the repertoire played by the string quartet of Stan Kallenbach, Shelly Berner, Harvey Hoffman, and Jody Ratner; the quartet’s selections included Schubert’s piano quintet “The Trout” (transcribed for string quartet by the group.)

Board member and acting auctioneer, George Dagher, assisted by Gil Bergen and Jerry Trapani, deftly matched skills with eager bidders for the many valuable treasures donated for our Live Auction: an original trout painting by Don Winter; two beautiful carvings, one of a Eurasian Wigeon by Jamie Reason and the other a Redshank by Ed Legg; a knife hand-crafted by Steve Mikle; and a miniature Trout carving by Tom Hubbard; as well as antiques and other desirable items. Our Silent and Chinese auctions sent many guests home with arms full of beautiful gift baskets, framed photographs and limited edition prints, as well as many other great prizes.

We thank all who attended. Your continued support is vital to the success of the Friends.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR GALA SUPPORTERS
It takes a great many people to bring about the success of this important fund-raising event. The tables below list the names of our supporters. All these individuals, organizations, artists and merchants generously contributed food, beverages, prizes or their time.  We ask that you please act as our ambassador by patronizing the merchants, restaurants and artists listed here and thank them for their support of the Friends.

If we inadvertently omitted anyone from this list, please accept our apologies and be assured that we greatly appreciate ALL our contributors.