Lazy Girl Co-Chairs a Gala

We Brought the Magic Back: How The Markel Sisters Hit the Ball Out of the Park

It was the first Saturday of August, 2024. There was nail-biting, but not too much since we'd had manicures, but would it rain? It absolutely could not, because Jeanne and I (aka The Markel Sisters) were co-chairing the 80th anniversary Oysterponds Historical Society Gala and Art Auction. An outdoor event in Poquatuck Park in Orient, NY. Yes, we had an enormous tent, with flags a flying, but rain would dampen frocks and seersucker jackets, and that would be a shame.

Our goal was magic, color, elegance and sparkle in decor, food and drink. Jeanne had attended a wedding in Mexico earlier in the summer, and returned with colors still in her head. She suggested the zinnia as our signature theme for graphics and decor. We approached Erin Stanton of Latham Farms for a donation of  zinnias. Erin said yes, and gave us 600 stems, delivered the day of the Gala. (She was planting zinnias the very day that we asked for the donation.) Jeanne and I spent 3 hours arranging 50 small bouquets in mason jars for the tables and six large bouquets for eye-catching points around the tent.

Jeanne arranging zinnias in the kitchen of Webb House.

Zinnias ready to go out to the tent.

The "Pink" bouquet at the Whispering Angel rosé bar.

 We purchased cocktail napkins in zinnia colors.

The bar with North Fork wines. Jeanne did the graphics for the signage to keep on theme.

We made two large bouquets for the entrance to the tent.

Plant your own zinnias and the Gala program.

L-R. Alison Ventura, Executive Director of OHS, Carol Markel and Jane Ash. 

Artist, Liz Weiss and me with her painting, Zinnias and Cormorant. I saw Liz's painting on Instagram and asked her if she would donate it to the art auction. I thought it was a fantastic addition. Liz is a Tyler School of Art graduate and studied with my late husband, Richard Cramer.

Jeanne with her son, Jack Wedge.

Jack takes Jeanne for a spin.

Chris Wedge and Jack.

We brought back the popular raw bar.

Passed small bites from Lombardi's Love Lane Market.

The demolished cookie table. We asked local bakers to make cookies and present them in pretty baskets and boxes. I wish I could show you a "before" picture, but the cookies went so fast I didn't get the chance for a shot.

Elizabeth Gordon's exquisitely decorated homemade cookies.

Gala guests

Supper on the Lawn

Michael and Alison Ventura.

Augusta and Michael Ventura

Arrival by bike.

Cynthia Brennan, Tara Coniaris (in zinnia purple) and Jeanne.

Emily Bellos and Angela Meredith-Jones.

Elizabeth Gordon in zinnia yellow.

Sienna Hornberger in a dress of her own design. Sienna is a high school senior and hopes to study fashion in college. She is the daughter of Andy and Julie Hornberger. Andy is a Tyler School of Art graduate and a talented painter and teacher.

There were about 375 guests.

The storm held off until the end of the Gala, when a dramatic sky opened up

 with lighting and rain.

The party is over. Walking home through magical lanterns to Village Lane.

Jeanne and I are thrilled to report that the Gala and Art Auction raised over $100,000 for the OHS which will enable it to continue its preservation of Orient history through exhibits, events and lectures.

A Bientôt!