Mt. Tremper, NY – September 6, 2024: The Catskill Center is thrilled to announce its annual Fall Benefit is returning on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center in Mt. Tremper, New York. This yearly event aims to raise crucial funds to protect and preserve the Catskills, ensuring the continued vitality of both our lands and communities.

The evening will be a celebration of the Catskills, complete with live music, local food and drink, inspiring speakers, and the Alf Evers Award Ceremony, recognizing an outstanding contribution to the region.

This year’s featured speaker is renowned landscape painter Christie Scheele, whose works explore the changing environmental landscape of the Catskills. Christie’s recent exhibitions at Albert Shahinian Fine Art in Rhinebeck, NY, and the 1053 Gallery in Fleischmanns, NY, have powerfully reflected on nature’s delicate balance—its transient beauty, resilience, and the growing threats it faces from human impact. Through her work, Christie subtly captures these environmental shifts and will delve deeper into these themes in her keynote address.

The 2024 Alf Evers Award will be presented to host and producer of Kaatscast: the Catskills Podcast Brett Barry, in recognition of his significant and lasting impact on the Catskills community. Brett’s dedication to advocating for the cultural and natural heritage of the Catskills, his chronicling of life in the region, and his community service have left an indelible mark on the spirit and identity of the Catskills.

Attendees will also be treated to a live performance by singer-songwriter Brother Jax, whose honest lyrics and soulful sound have captivated audiences across the Catskills and beyond. Brother Jax’s music brings together the warmth of folk with the depth of soul, making his performance a perfect complement to the evening’s celebration of the Catskills.

In addition to the live entertainment, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and small plates prepared by Provisions of Boiceville, along with a selection of craft beer from West Kill Brewing and wine from Eminence Road Farm Winery.

If you’re unable to attend the event, a silent auction offering a wide variety of items and experiences from around the Catskills will go live on Friday, September 20, and conclude on the evening of the Benefit. This is a fantastic opportunity to support the Catskill Center’s vital work while bidding on unique offerings that highlight the beauty and creativity of the region.

We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening in support of the Catskills. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit catskillcenter.org/fallbenefit.