Aug 21 2025 Twilight Picnic for the Parks
On a warm August evening, nearly 380 guests gathered under glowing white tents on the Great Lawn of the Mansion at Hartwood Acres Park for the Parks Foundation’s annual Twilight Picnic for the Parks. The night was more than a gala, it was a celebration of the beauty of nature, the strength of our community and the unwavering support that fuels our mission. The presence throughout the party was a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to preserving the nine Allegheny County Parks today and for generations to come.
With music, art and nature all around, the evening raised $390,000 to support projects that improve, conserve and restore your nine county parks. Since its debut in 2017, the event has raised more than $3.4 million for transformative park projects. This success is a testament to the generosity of our community – from corporations, foundations and individuals alike – and we are so grateful for that support and trust.
An Evening of Community and Celebration
The evening’s setting was breathtaking. Nancy Byrnes Events transformed the Mansion grounds into a space that blended summer chic with rustic sophistication, bringing an English garden theme to life among the sculptures and gardens of Hartwood Acres. Inside the tents, guests dined on an elevated picnic dinner from big Burrito Catering while a vibrant light show illuminated the ceiling above. Outside the tent, sculptures from the Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden were lit dramatically, creating a once-in-a-lifetime view that blended art and landscape in a way only Hartwood Acres could offer.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra String Quintet provided a soundtrack to the evening, followed by sweets and late-night conversations that had guests lingering well into the night. Throughout the evening, guests were reminded of the ways parks shape our lives and communities. Maris Dauer, representing Presenting Sponsor UPMC Health Plan, shared why she and UPMC support the Parks Foundation, emphasizing that the parks are key to healthier lives. County Manager John Fournier spoke about his own enthusiasm for the parks and the unique value of the Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden. He reminded us that each park offers something special for everyone in Allegheny County.
The event marked the first week on the job for our new Development Coordinator, Michelle, who joined the team just in time to experience Twilight Picnic firsthand. In addition, we honored the memory of longtime Board Member Tom Armstrong, whose recent passing was deeply felt by our Foundation family. Tom’s commitment to the parks and his service to the Board left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire our work.
Lastly, we honored the leadership and dedication of Chip Babst, who served as Chair of the Parks Foundation Board from 2019 to 2025. Chip’s steady guidance, strategic vision and deep commitment to the parks helped shape the Foundation during a time of growth and impact. While his term as Chair has come to a close, his legacy will continue to inspire us. We are excited to welcome our new Board Chair, Michael Tomera, and look forward with confidence to the future of the Parks Foundation.
A Landmark Milestone for the Parks
One of the evening’s most exciting moments was the announcement that funding has been secured for the ninth and final Ecological Assessment and Action Plan—for North Park. This milestone marks the culmination of a decade-long effort to study and strengthen the ecological health of all 12,000 acres of the county park system.
“Securing the funding for the final Ecological Assessment and Action Plan is a landmark moment for the Parks Foundation,” said Executive Director Joey-Linn Ulrich. “This achievement represents ten years of dedicated work and collaboration to protect and strengthen the ecological health of all nine county parks. It’s a testament to the generosity of our supporters and the shared belief that these parks are vital to our region’s quality of life, now and for generations to come.”
Guests also celebrated the completion of other recent projects, including the new audio tour of the Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden and the Economic Impact Study, highlighting how the parks enhance both quality of life and economic vitality in Allegheny County.
Thanks to Our Supporters
We are so grateful to everyone who helped make Twilight Picnic for the Parks possible. We would especially like to thank our Presenting Sponsor, UPMC Health Plan; our Lead Sponsors, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and PNC Bank; our Supporting Sponsors, United States Steel; and our Supernova, Moonstruck, Stargazer and Parks Fan Sponsors. Additionally, thank you to our event leadership: We are deeply grateful to our Event Chairs Maris & Robert Dauer, Shelly & Dan Onorato, and Sally & Will McCrady; Honorary Event Chair County Executive Sara Innamorato; Honorary Host Committee Chairs Alexander Speyer III & Silvia C. Speyer; and our Host Committee Co-Chairs Keri Harmicar & David Seman, Laura & DJ Miller, and Beth Wainwright & Russ Kemerer.
We would also like to thank Allegheny County, Allegheny County Parks and Nancy Byrnes Events for all their help and coordination in planning and organizing the event; The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra String Quintet, big Burrito Catering, Thommy Conroy, Sol Patch Garden, John Altdorfer and Sarah Abramowitch Photography and so many others who contributed to the amazing atmosphere at Twilight Picnic for the Parks. Lastly, we want to thank all our guests, volunteers, donors and staff who helped to make Twilight Picnic for the Parks the special event that it was.
✨ Together, we are creating a brighter, healthier and more vibrant future for Allegheny County’s parks. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening of natural beauty, community and impact. Please consider making a donation in support of Twilight Picnic for the Parks to be a part of this incredible event.