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Thank you for being a part of New Jersey Conservation Foundation's 2024 fundraising gala!
Through the steadfast support of members and friends like you, New Jersey Conservation Foundation is able to preserve land and natural resources throughout New Jersey for the benefit of all.
Your generosity makes everything possible!
About Grounds for Sculpture
Grounds for Sculpture is a 42-acre sculpture park, museum, and arboretum founded on the site of the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds. Opened to the public in 1992, it has become cone of the premier culture destinations in New Jersey, welcoming and enchanting three million visitors since then.
Grounds for Sculpture believes visiting an oasis of beauty, where art and imaginatively landscaped gardens awaken the senses, enhances well- being, and stimulates reflection. Curiosity, discovery, and playfulness have and will continue to guide their work.
Hella and Scott McVay
The McVays have been selected as this year's honorees for their enthusiastic leadership in promoting a wide range of causes, including conservation, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, the arts, science, and education.
They are known for their ability to make connections between art and nature. "As you look at the natural world," says Scott, "in all its variability, connectedness, and diversity, it's just one miracle after another."
Proceeds from the gala will support New Jersey Conservation Foundation's land preservation, advocacy and stewardship efforts throughout the state.
Back again by popular demand! Escape the mundane and live the incomparable pleasures of Tuscany's countryside. Your group of up to 8 will stay near the hilltop town of Cortona, known for its medieval center and Etruscan museum - and as the main location of the film - "Under the Tuscan Sun". Your adventure begins in the warm atmosphere of your charming villa, completely immersed in nature. Take the time to kick back and relax by your private pool or garden.
Your chef will prepare a fresh breakfast each morning, but enjoy a cooking class in the comfort of your villa, learning the secrets of fresh homemade pasta, mouth-watering sauces, and desserts.
You'll have the chance to taste the famous wines of the area and visit wineries to see how they're made. Your free time can be spent on bike rides to city tours, or simply relaxing at your home away from home - any help you need can be given by your personal travel assistant! FMV is $12,000.
The newest addition to our offerings, Adventure Iceland, provides an experience like no other! Spend 5 nights in your charming private cottage in the Icelandic countryside, surrounded by breathtaking nature. Your group of up to 4 people will enjoy amazing and unique outdoor experiences like hiking explorations of Solheimajokull Glacier, whale watching as you sail from Reykjavik, and much more! Your personal travel assistant will help you plan everything from transportation, additional activities, to local restaurants and more. Availability from May to October. FMV $10,000.
Want to spend more time within nature and see the hidden secrets of the Pines? Spend a day with Emile tracking flora and fauna, hiking through the preserve, and and more! All activities will be curated to your activity level. Paddle through the beautiful tea colored waters of the preserve while your guide shares the secrets of this ancient place. End your day with a picnic on the lake and a wine or beer pairing. A great experience for the family! Two signed copies of The Pine Barrens by John McPhee included. FMV is $1,500
An expertly curated high-end experience in Franklin Parker Preserve like no other. Your day starts with door-to-door car service and a champagne welcome. Guided by Dr. Emile DeVito, your perfect day can look however you'd like! A 100% personalized tour that can include bird watching, a hike filled with floral and fauna identification, and more! Wind down with a gourmet seafood lunch and wine pairing right on the water. Look through your NJCF gift bags as we drive you back home. FMV is $2,000
Metropolitan Seafood Gourmet will cater a gourmet dinner and demo in your home for a spectacular dinner party for up to 8 people. Mark Drebich, The Funky Fishmonger, owner of Metropolitan Seafood Gourmet, will personally prepare the freshest and finest quality seafood and delicious homemade recipes. Each dish will be cooked in real time, in a fun cooking class demonstration. Valid for a location within a 30 mile radius of their Lebanon, NJ store. FMV is $2,500.
George and Grania Allport
Michele S. Byers
Roger Byrom
Finn and Emily Caspersen
Rosina Dixon
Bob and Steffi Harris
Jane Higgins
James W. Hughes
Kenneth H. Klipstein, II
Joseph Lemond
Wendy Mager
David F. Moore
Judy and Oye Olukuton
Ingrid Reed
Louise Currey Wilson
Anne Wright Wilson
Illustrations by Allen Crawford