Photos: Trustees’ First Snow Ball Fundraiser

Check out scenes from the Trustees' First Snow Ball Fundraiser on Friday, February 28th, 2020 at the Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich.

By Lindsay Cadigan· 3/10/2020, 12:05 p.m.

On Friday, February 28, 2020 more than 200 Trustees members, supporters and their guests from Greater Boston and the North Shore gathered for the statewide non-profit conservation and preservation organization’s first regional fundraiser in more than 20 years at the iconic Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich. The winter Snow Ball celebration far exceeded expectations raising $185,000 to help fund a wide range of important coastal conservation, stewardship, garden restoration, and educational programs and initiatives at Trustees North Shore properties.

“We were thrilled to host so many familiar friends and new faces for an unforgettable evening in one of our most majestic historic properties,” says Ed Wilson, Trustees Chief of Development. “And we are beyond grateful to our stellar event committee and co-chairs, whose vision, dedication, and generous contributions helped to make this spectacular event such a huge success.”

The Snow Ball was presented by The Trustees and supported and organized by an event committee of 29 couples, co-chaired by Catherine and Peter Creighton of Manchester by the Sea and Kathleen and Duncan McIntyre of Hamilton. The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the beautiful Casino Ballroom, followed by a live auction fundraiser which included four once-in-a-lifetime Crane Estate related experiences. From a private, catered dinner for 20 in the Great House–complete with a panoramic sunset view, champagne, and hors d’oeuvres on the rooftop–to an exclusive sunrise horseback ride on the beach, an Afternoon Garden Party in the rose garden, and a special VIP experience for 10 at Crane Beach’s upcoming 75th Anniversary Celebration, the auction raised more than $85,000.

Afterwards, guests were shuttled up to the Great House at Castle Hill for a seated dinner featuring entertainment by Harpist Carol McIntyre, followed by dessert, and dancing to music from Flip Side Band in the mansion’s elegant Ballroom. The evening was catered by Timothy S. Hopkins Catering of Essex, with rentals provided by Party By Design.

“We are so grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to this magical evening,” adds Peter Pinciaro, Trustees Director for Castle Hill on the Crane Estate. “We would also like to extend a special thank you to our generous local sponsors Harbor Sweets, Privateer Rum, and Two Finches Floral for their beautiful, creative, and delicious contributions. It was an evening to remember on so many levels. We are already looking forward to next year.”

Photography by Michael Blanchard