On December 5th, over 200 guests made their way to the Winter Tracks Benefit Party to support the Essex County Trail Association. We were delighted to see a mix of new faces and long-time members, hikers, bikers, runners, riders, landowners and trail users. The event drew together our diverse membership for a fun and festive evening in support of our trails.
The “Brackenside” location of the party brought out many trail users who remembered visiting this great estate when it was home to the United States Equestrian Team and was an important hub in the middle of our extensive trail network. Once inside, guests were greeted in the foyer with a hot seasonal beverage from our friends at Turkey Shore Distilleries, and proceeded into the ballroom where they could visit each of our town displays. Each of our six member towns (Ipswich, Hamilton, Wenham, Essex, Topsfield and West Newbury) presented a trail map, list of fun facts, a highlighted trail and several door prize items representing their town. Trail Stewards were available to provide more information about the trails in their area and discuss recent projects ECTA has completed. Meanwhile, everyone enjoyed tasty treats from Henry’s and the wonderful sounds of the string quartet from the New England Conservatory of Music.
In addition to the many door prizes, guests could also purchase tickets for a chance to win one of several great raffle items donated by ECTA supporters. Our winners are listed below! At the end of the evening, we were grateful to see that we had so many friends join us in celebration of the incredible effort it takes from the organization and all of our members to preserve & maintain our extensive and unique network of trails.
This event could not have been a success without the help of our committee, volunteers, sponsors and contributors. Thank you to all of you!
Event Committee:
Caroline Gregory, Haskell Crocker, Rob Martin, Daniel Mayer, Peter Campot, Elisabeth Pundt, Susie Banta, Susan Lawrence, Claudia Woods-Estin, Ray Denis, Ashley Hill
Volunteers:
Disa Cheston, Liz Wheaton, Maddie Gregory, Emilie Baillie, Bill Montville, Jillian & Jennifer Wall, Deb Hamilton, Ellen Alden, Joe Geller, Kat Tremblay, Amy Blondin, Carol Lloyd, Susanna Colloredo-Mansfeld, Ann Getchell, Julie DePaolis, Deb Stanton, Sue McLaughlin, Marlene Pippins
Raffle Prize Donors:
Complete Camping Package, donated by REI & The Trustees of Reservations, won by Kathleen St. Pierre
Casa Parrot Hill Costa Rica Vacation Home, donated by Ray Denis, won by Deb Hamilton
River Fishing Excursion, donated by Capt. Kalil Boghden of Downriver Charters, won by Andrew Gregory
Moosehead Lake Vacation Home, donated by Maurella & Greg Huntley, won by Dan Morrow
Case of Premium Wines, donated by Joe Sandulli, won by Rob Martin
Bruins Tickets, donated by Tig Gregory, won by Susan Lawrence
Patriots Tickets, donated by Peter Campot, won by Allison Crocker
Equestrian Watercolor, donated by Michele O’Neil Fine Art, won by Rob Wilkinson
Marsh Boat Tour, donated by Nat Pulsifer, won by Susie Banta
Door Prize Donors:
Coastal Green Grocer, Carol Lloyd, Sara Gray Photography, Castle Neck Farm, Sue McLaughlin, Sports Stop, Sugarcoated, Biscuits n’ Bows, Hamilton BioVet, Peter Guralnick, Jane Wild, Lindt Chocolates, EMS, Essex County Co-op, The Bicycle Shop of Topsfield, Kay Joseph, Karin Gertsch, The Topsfield Fair, Grassy Roots, Fox Floral, VIP Chocolates
Sponsors:
**Photos courtesy of Elisabeth Pundt