MICHIGAN CITY | A record crowd of more than 260 friends and supporters of Shirley Heinze Land Trust gathered at International Friendship Gardens recently to celebrate the summer solstice and the organization's accomplishments during the past year. The occasion was the organization's fifth annual summer banquet and fundraiser.

"Summer Solstice - The Magic of Nature" was this year's theme. Rachel Saxon, board president of the Michigan City-based land trust, which protects and restores natural areas in Northwest Indiana, proclaimed the evening a resounding success.

"We exceeded all of our goals," she said. "We strengthened our relationships with long-time friends, introduced the Heinze Trust and its work to newcomers and raised over $45,000 for our land protection and restoration work. And of course we wanted our guests to enjoy a memorable summer solstice evening, which they definitely did."

In his remarks at the banquet, Executive Director Kris Krouse stressed the importance of individual and corporate contributions to the Heinze trust's financial health. He also thanked everyone for their commitment.

Guests were served champagne and Nature's Beer supplied by The Upland Brewing Company as they arrived. The reception was followed by a formal gourmet dinner featuring locally raised roasted duck breast, paired with locally grown asparagus and Great Lakes wild rice. Guests were delightfully entertained throughout the evening by local jazz singer Bunny Fisher and a trio of musicians.

At the always popular silent auction, guests perused a variety of enticing items including nature-related objets d'art, paintings, and unique tour and eco-adventure outings and expeditions. Summer benefit committee members worked diligently to secure unique items and adventures for guests to bid on throughout the evening.

Honorary co-chairs were Chuck Oberlie, mayor of Michigan City; Geof Benson, president of Beverly Shores Town Council; Brian Snedecor, mayor of Hobart; Debra Shore, commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago; and Lee Botts, prominent environmental activist.

- For The Times