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The folks at Delaware Greenways are partial to hiking and biking, two great ways to have fun when they aren’t busy working to preserve natural spaces for everyone in the First State to enjoy.
All had a good time at the 17th annual Greenways Gala & Silent Auction. The first person in the door was Gail Van Gilder, former Greenways executive director and a longtime champion of responsible development. “We’ve had quite a few of these events and I still get excited, every time,” she said.
Sen. Tom Carper dashed in from Capitol Hill to support the cause. He donated an autographed copy of a coffee table book, “The History of the Capitol,” to Greenways’ silent auction. “If you bid on anything, I highly recommend buying this book,” he quipped.
Dapper entrepreneur David St. Clair, who glided in with his gorgeous banker sweetheart, Maryalice Panarello, took home a two-day stay at a glorious waterfront dream house in Chesapeake City donated by luxury builder Tim Dewson.
Greenways transformed the Blue Ball Barn at Alapocas Run State Park into a nature-inspired fantasy land, ushering in supporters through an allée of trees.
Carol Arnott Robbins of Greenville met her husband, Tucker, on a bike ride, so Greenways’ support for the cycling set is near and dear to her heart. She looked fabulously fit in a slim black skirt and a jacket in, appropriately, leaf green. Her friend, Tre Sullivan of Wilmington, a Greenways board member, was festive in a vibrant floral print top teamed with white capri pants and sandals embellished with floral appliqués. “Greenways has done so much to ensure a wonderful quality of life for people in Delaware,” Robbins said. “They deserve a big toast and a round of applause.”
Peter J. Walsh Jr. of Potter Anderson & Corroon says he joined the green team after being introduced to the trails by his friend Martin Lessner of Young Conaway Stargatt and Taylor. Both pals serve on the board.
Fred Hartman and Gail Schneiders of North Wilmington, a dynamic husband-and-wife team on Greenways’ board of directors, looked relaxed. You would have never guessed that Hartman had been working like the proverbial dog all day, hauling trees, bicycles and other auction items to the barn. His convivial bride toiled for months organizing the event.
As Gabby floated off from a glorious evening, she tipped her tiara to all who worked so hard to show everyone a good time.
Well done!
