The spacious lawn of Gervasi Vineyards became a Field of Gold for the Wilderness Center’s 50th anniversary celebration Thursday evening. Guests sampled Gervasi’s fine wine as they traversed an autumn street scene, while looking over hundreds of silent auction items.
Barb Vitcosky said the event, which was expected to raise over $100,000, was a sellout for the third year in a row.
Dr. Marchelle Suppan chaired the 24th annual Earthly Delights Celebration which honored Ed and Terri Roth and Todd Pugh for their numerous contributions to the community.
“The Wilderness Center is a wonderful space where children and families can experience nature,” Ed Roth said. He is the president and CEO of the Aultman Health Foundation, while Terri is a nurse anesthetist for Ohio Hospital Based Physicians at Aultman. The Roths chaired the 2002 Earthly Delights Auction.
Todd Pugh, CEO of Todd’s Enviroscapes was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year. He has been instrumental in establishing the Children’s Playscape at the Center. He enjoyed the event with his wife, Anna, and later demonstrated his versatility in conducting the live auction of getaways and vacations.
Nancy and Larry Hoover, Gene and Sally Little, and Polly and Dave Hartung enjoyed lobster bisque on the patio while bidding on silent auction items. Christina Soltis sold raffle tickets to Guy Cecchini and Ken Martin, while guests enjoyed Gaetano’s Jazz & Blues guitar music.
Anderson Florists designed sunflower centerpieces in the outdoor pavilion where an Italian buffet was served. Enjoying the buffet were: Doug Sibila, Paul and Judy Erb, George and Kaleen Lemon, Dave and Ann Renkert, Ted Swaldo, Nancy Caniglia, Eileen Martin, Fred and Virginia Olivieri, Jeff and Nancy Rothermel, David and Kathy Keller, and Judge Curt Warren.
The new executive director of the Wilderness Center, Jeff Corney, enjoyed the event with his wife, Sarah. Emcee Jeffrey Daffler introduced board members and past honorees, noting the growth of the Wilderness Center over the past 50 years, while providing outdoor education for 15,000 youngsters each year. Their Enchanted Forest, a tradition for 25 years, will take place Oct. 10 and 11. For reservations, call 330-359-5535.