Community members are gathering to support a local treasure for environmental education and resources. Slippery Rock University’s Macoskey Center for Sustainability Education and Research is hosting its second annual Harmony Harvest Fundraiser, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 19, at the Center’s backyard, located at 247 Harmony Road. The event features a “farm to fork” meal with all ingredients sourced from local and regional farms or the Macoskey Center itself.
The event is sponsored by donations from West Penn Energy Fund and Bullock’s Bid n’ Buy and serves to raise funds to support the Macoskey Center’s goal of promoting and facilitating a more sustainable future for all people from all walks of life.
“The fundraiser allows us to expand our capacity to do more environmental education programming, demonstration projects and classroom based or curriculum tied sustainability projects,” said Samantha Bortz, Macoskey Center director. “It allows us to keep doing what we’ve been doing and to continue our momentum.”
Bortz also assures anyone interested in attending that they are in for a great time. The suggested attire is “garden party,” and Bortz noted that last year’s attendees referred to the event as “something out of a Hallmark movie.” Apart from the delicious meal, the evening will include auctions of items from sustainability-minded local businesses, local drink stations with wine from Heritage Wine Cellars and beer from North Country Brewery, alumni speakers, music and tours of the Macoskey Center throughout the evening.
“We want to help people to find their niche,” Bortz said. “Everyone can have a specific role that they can play in promoting sustainability practices. The funds raised through this event let us keep doing that work.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased online. All members of the community are invited to attend.
More information about the Macoskey Center is available on the SRU website.
