Fundraiser Supports Conservation and Brings Community Together

The Celebration Barn was an inviting venue for the 11th annual “Under a Cider Moon…a Celebration of Autumn” fundraising event on Saturday, September 30. About 160 people turned out to enjoy local wine, beer, apple cider, and other beverages along with a variety of delicious hors d’oeuvres. It’s a good bet that no one left feeling hungry.

It’s also a good bet that few attendees escaped the temptation of placing bids in one of the auctions either. Area businesses donated more than 140 items. There was something for everyone in just about every price range. A short list of silent auction items included baskets of locally grown vegetables, jewelry, a certificate for bicycle repairs, wine, sports memorabilia, artwork, fishing trips, and overnight stays at Iowa bed and breakfasts. Darrell Cannon of Premier Fundraising Auctions kicked off the live auction with an array of desserts that were frosted and baked to perfection. Home-cooked meals, a meat bundle from a local producer, hand-crafted furniture, and donor recognition award were among other items up for bid.

Students from the Harte School of Art in Iowa City donated paintings for purchase to help raise funds. All of the paintings were done by artists aged seven to seventeen and followed two themes. One group featured the young artists’ renderings of barns while the other group included colorful studies of flowers.

Board president Carter Johnson opened the night’s program by sharing the exciting news that he and Bur Oak grant writer Maureen Marron attended the Community Foundation of Johnson County Grant Award Luncheon on September 28 where they accepted a $12,000 grant from the CFJC. Part of the grant will be put toward the construction of a bridge across Turkey Creek. The bridge is necessary in order to gain full access to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve for both recreation and maintenance. Some of the funds will also be used to install interpretive signs at Shimek Ravine. In his remarks, Carter mentioned that the presence of the rusty patched bumblebee has been confirmed at Muddy Creek Preserve, Bur Oak Land Trust’s newest acquisition. Once widely distributed across the eastern states, the Upper Midwest, and parts of Canada, the rusty patched bumblebee was added to the endangered species list earlier this year. Its presence has been reduced to a handful of states. Iowa is one of those, but the bee is confirmed or thought to be present in only five counties.

Clearly, the evening involved a great deal of work and attention to countless details. The result was a well-organized event, and the planners are to be congratulated on a job well done. The 2018 date has already been set. Mark your calendar for October 6!

To check out the Facebook photo album of this event, click here: 2017 Cider Moon fundraiser