Three Years of Westchester Land Trust Gala
Three years. I keep saying those words out loud because it genuinely doesn't feel like it's been that long and yet the weight of everything this gala represents makes it feel like so much more.
Serving as a co-chair for the Westchester Land Trust's Hope on the Hudson Gala isn't just a title on a resume or a line in a bio — it's a commitment to the rivers, the trails, the farms, and the communities that make this corner of the world worth protecting.
Every year I walk into that room, I'm reminded of how much one organization can accomplish when the right people rally behind a shared mission.
This year felt especially meaningful. The evening honored two extraordinary forces, each making their mark on the land and the community in very different, equally powerful ways.
This year's honorees
Protected over 30 acres of land in partnership with Westchester Land Trust — a legacy of stewardship that will outlast all of us.
Allison Turcan
Recognized for her remarkable work with Dig Farm, connecting community, soil, and sustenance in a way that is quietly revolutionary.
The Dominican Sisters of Hope protecting 30+ acres isn't just a conservation win — it's a statement about faith, purpose, and what we owe to the earth.
And Allison's work at Dig Farm is the kind of grassroots, hands-in-the-soil effort that reminds you that food security and land stewardship are inseparable conversations.
Now, I'd be leaving out a good story if I didn't mention the weather. Let's just say the Hudson Valley had opinions that evening. But here's the thing about a room full of people who genuinely care about something — a little rain doesn't dampen the spirit.
The pivot to move the event inside was handled with such grace and coordination that it almost felt choreographed. Watching a team pull that off in real time? That's its own kind of inspiration.
Westchester Land Trust
Westchester Land Trust is doing work that matters every single day — long after the gala tables are cleared. Clean water. Protected land. Local food systems. Green spaces in our towns. These aren't abstract causes. They're the infrastructure of a good life in this region, and WLT is one of the organizations quietly making sure we still have it to enjoy.
If you've been on the fence about supporting them — this is your nudge. Whether it's a donation, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word — every bit makes a difference for the land, the water, and the communities we share.
