Gala supporters include American River Natural History Association member Laurie Weir (left), Hannah and Steve Booth, musician James Sidebotham, CapRadio broadcaster emcee Jennifer Reason and auctioneer Keith McLane. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Celebration, gratitude and the future were key themes at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s recent Fall Feast in the Forest fundraiser in Ancil Hoffman Park, Carmichael.

More than 250 supporters dined beneath an oak tree canopy in the facility’s preserve. The traditional spring event was reinvented this year as a September soiree.

Tom Sellas (left), Pat Mahony and David Peterson are among artists whose work aided Nature Center fundraising. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Fundraising included raise-the-paddle opportunities and an auction. Bids reached $5,500 for a painting of waterlily reflections by nationally esteemed Carmichael artist Pat Mahony. For experience packages, a three-night stay in Sea Ranch tempted a bid of $3,250.  

In the dessert auction, one gateaux sold for $800. The icing on the cake was a diamond ring, donated by Sharif Jewelers, that lay beneath a cake platter.

Bids on artist Pat Mahony’s” Reflections in the Pond” reach $5,500 during the Effie Yeaw Nature Center's Fall Feast gala. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

“Next year will be our 50th anniversary,” said the Nature Center's interim executive director Rachael Cowan. “Our gala is an opportunity to gather with a community that supports us as an invaluable resource. We’re grateful for fundraising that exceeded our goals.” 

Former Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo was the honorary gala chair. Sponsors included SMUD, Western Health Advantage, Marcy Friedman, Chris and Patrice Gibson, Gary and Susan Harbison, Mike Genovese, the Loveall Foundation, Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond, Richard Shanahan, Deborah Moskovitz, River City Brewing Company, Sharif Jewelers and Peter Tateishi.

Learn about the nature center at www.effieyeawnature.org.

Former Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo (right) hosts a table as honorary fundraiser chair. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner