Friendraising and Fundraising at Cider Moon

Approximately 200 people came together October 27 at the Celebration Barn for Bur Oak Land Trust’s annual fundraising event, “Under a Cider Moon…a Celebration of Autumn.” People came from all over to bid on live and silent auction items, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and socialize with other community members in support of the Trust’s land conservation efforts.

At last count, more than $35,000 was raised that day.

Almost everyone found something that appealed to them in the silent auction, including weekend getaways at bed and breakfasts, dinner-and-a-movie certificates, sporting events tickets, handcrafted pillows, afghans and throws, handmade furniture, framed artwork, and more!

With three of the four silent auction tables closed and before the live auction began, past Board President and current Land Steward Carter Johnson took the microphone to honor Tammy Wright, Bur Oak Land Trust’s former executive director, who served in that role for the last 14 years. Carter recounted her many achievements – starting from when she worked part time to where the organization is today. One accomplishment he highlighted was the work Tammy and volunteers put into getting the Trust accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, which demonstrates the organization’s serious commitment to land conservation and best practices. Carter concluded his remarks by presenting Tammy with the first ever Bur Oak Land Trust Conservation Leadership Award. Tammy is looking forward to continuing with the Trust in the role of Development Director.

When it came time for the live auction, people were ready to bid on dessert – a favorite of the live auction. The array of cakes included every flavor imaginable and each one was an artful creation. Autumn brings to mind fresh apple pie, and Travis Weipert’s Johnson County Fair Blue Ribbon Celebrity Apple Pie and a Wilson’s Orchard apple pie were two of the dessert options. Those who had the Wilson’s Orchard apple pie commented with a smile that it was still warm from the oven. Although it’s hard to imagine not feeling tempted by the desserts, there were other appealing live auction items – such as an ice fishing excursion for four at Belgum Grove with Wayne Petersen and Mark Müeller. The most unique item this year? Two skunks mounted in 1963 by George Schrimper. (George was curator and director of the University of Iowa’s Museum of Natural History in Macbride Hall from 1971 to 2000.)

The community overwhelmingly supported this event: more than 150 businesses donated items for the fundraiser along with 14 business event sponsors and 7 table sponsors. Cider Moon would not be possible without the contributions of supporters at all levels. These efforts sustain Bur Oak Land Trust in its important mission to protect and conserve our natural areas.

Photos taken by Bruce Drummond.