Lake Erie Nature and Science Center (LENSC) Discover committee members are (left to right) Amanda DiBenedetto, co-chair Marianna Orro, Corryn Firis, cochair Alison Muth and Chris Herbruck.

‘Discover’ benefit celebrates the beauty and bounty of nature
By Cynthia Schuster-Eakin
Insights
Published Sept. 23, 2009

The annual benefit for the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center (LENSC) on Sept. 12 invited all 307 attendees to “Discover the Universe in Your Backyard.”

Chairwomen Alison Muth and Marianna Orro explained, “Our Discover benefit is a party in which we celebrate the bounty and the beauty of the center, which is the universe in our own backyard.”

The committee’s goal of $50,000 in proceeds from this year’s benefit party will be used for the care of animals in the center’s rehabilitation program and for education.

Among the guests at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center backyard barbecue were Nancy and Michael Heaton, and Dick and Julie Feagler.

A Lake Erie Nature and Science Center docent introduces Tony DiBenedetto, and Sue and Ben Marty to “Buzz,” a young turkey vulture.

Extensive silent and live auctions, chaired by Corryn Firis, featured items that included a private party at Progressive Field, floor seats for a Cleveland Cavaliers game and entertainment, restaurant and travel packages. Committee member Amanda DiBenedetto was in charge of party decorations, while Chris Herbruck chaired the underwriting activities.

Guests enjoyed a barbecue buffet prepared by Smokey Bones restaurant, desserts by Mojo’s Coffee and More and musical entertainment by guitarist David Bruns and band. There were backyard games, such as bocce, and tours of the nature center.

Next year’s benefit party for the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, “Discover … the Cosmos,” is slated for Sept. 11, 2010.

On the Web:

• Lake Erie Nature and Science Center