The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) corporation, has announced its fifth annual fundraiser for Chestnut Ridge Park will be held at the Orchard Park Country Club on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m.
The event’s honorary chairpersons are Richard and Karen Penfold of Orchard Park. The emcee for the evening will be Maryalice Demler, co-anchor of WGRZ-TV Channel 2 News On Your Side.
The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy will be bestowing the Raymond A. Fabiniak Guardian Award to Ronald J. Michnik. Michnik has worked tirelessly for Chestnut Ridge Park. He was one of the original founding members of the Conservancy and is currently the vice president. In addition, he served multiple terms with the Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce, including several years as president. He was also associated with the Orchard Park Economic Development Committee for over 20 years. He is married to Lynda for 45 years and was president and owner of Independent Funding Service, a local mortgage broker.
The Conservancy will also laud Michael J. Neumeister with the Benefactor Award. Mike has served as committee chairman for all five of the organization’s galas. His inexhaustible energy has been the driving force behind the addition of $180,000 to the charity’s coffers since 2011. Neumeister is retired partner of Capital Markets Advisors, LLC. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a member of Orchard Park Country Club. He is married to Janette for over 35 years and was recruited into the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy Board by legendary founding member Raymond Fabiniak.
There will be a silent auction featuring prizes donated by generous Western New Yorkers. And, new this year will be photographs of the park commissioned by the Conservancy and donated by noted area artists for the silent auction.
The event will start at 6 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the terrace overlooking the Orchard Park Country Club grounds. A seated gourmet dinner will follow in the main banquet room. For the third straight year, the Mark Mazur Little Big Band will provide entertainment.
Tickets are $125 each and can be purchased online at ChestnutRidgeConservancy.org.
