Sewickley Quarter in The Village was transformed into a country western-themed space on June 12 for Fern Hollow Nature Center’s Saddle Up Summer Soirée.
The evening raised more than $54,000 to support the nature center’s environmental education programs. There was food, an auction, live music by the Eldorado Band, line dancing lessons from 412Step and music from DJ Sly for 160 guests.
It was a sellout for the fourth consecutive year.
Planners of the soiree included Rob and Charlene Vescio, Karen Fadzen and Mike Gorka, Tom DeFazio, Ryan and Melissa Murray, and Jim Martinoski and Naomi Marshall.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community,” Fern Hollow Nature Center executive director Sam Capezzuto said in a statement. “From our sponsors and auction donors to the guests who attended and supported the auction, every person helped make this event a success. We are incredibly grateful.”
The event comes at an exciting time for Fern Hollow, Capezzuto said. While the nature center’s building in Sewickley Heights is currently closed for renovation and expansion, programs continue without interruption on site and at various locations throughout the Sewickley Valley.
Funds raised from the Summer Soirée will help support these programs during construction and beyond, Capezzuto said.
Fern Hollow is in the midst of a capital campaign, which will transform the existing nature center through renovations and a new addition designed to better serve the growing demand for environmental education programs, Capezzuto said.
This is the center’s largest capital improvement project and the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history — the goal is $2.5 million. To date, $1.86 million has been raised, which includes the largest gift in its history in December 2025 from the Sculley family in honor of founder and first board president, Paula Sculley.
The renovation will expand the existing structure by 1,200 square feet and include two classrooms with both indoor and outdoor access, as well as a welcoming lobby with educational displays. Sustainability is central to the design, incorporating energy-efficient systems, solar panels and a native garden with integrated stormwater management, it was announced at a groundbreaking in May.
“As a neighbor to Fern Hollow, I see the physical changes happening to our property,” Fern Hollow board member Anthony Roppa said in a statement. “Events like tonight’s soirée are essential to keep our organization running smoothly while we continue to improve our building and programming.”
Fern Hollow’s fall music festival and grand reopening celebration is planned for Oct. 17.