Heritage Conservancy, an accredited not-for-profit land conservation and historic preservation organization that is currently in its 60th year, held its 30th annual Christmas at Aldie fundraiser on Sunday, December 2nd. More than 200 people were in attendance at historic Aldie Mansion in Doylestown, PA, to celebrate and support the preservation of our area’s natural and historic heritage. Along with a delicious meal from Jeffrey A. Miller Catering, guests enjoyed a fast-paced live auction and were treated to the musical talents of the Central Bucks East Select Choir. This year’s event also included the exciting new addition of a DJ for some after-dinner dancing.
Formerly the historic home of William and Martha Mercer, Aldie Mansion has hosted many lavish parties in the past. The elegant 1927 structure needed a great deal of community support and restoration after having fallen into disrepair throughout the 1980s; today, this historic Bucks County landmark now serves as the permanent headquarters of Heritage Conservancy, a place for corporate events, and a popular venue for weddings and other celebrations.
The mansion was festively decorated for the gala in a Medieval Renaissance style, featuring a “12 Days of Christmas” theme. Heritage Conservancy’s Christmas at Aldie committee highlighted the beauty of nature while promoting sustainability, using local natural and historic elements to make each room, staircase, and hallway dazzle. Local blacksmith Joseph Beck, whose accurate reproduction work has been featured in The Patriot, The Pirates of the Caribbean, and HBO documentary John Adams, made wrought iron candlestick holders exclusively for the event! They were used as centerpieces for the dinner tables, and each one was claimed by guests for a generous donation to Heritage Conservancy.
After a cocktail hour and gourmet dinner prepared by Jeffrey A. Miller Catering, guests took part in a fun and exciting live auction, bidding for activities such as historic Doylestown tours and luxurious beach house getaways. With the goal of natural and historic preservation in mind with a focus on Aldie Mansion, this year’s mission appeal raised funding for the repair of the mansion’s courtyard fountain and replacing trees on the property that have been devastated by invasive insect predators.
Jeff Marshall, Heritage Conservancy’s President, reminded guests what their support means to the organization’s mission and its future. “Heritage Conservancy has been in existence for 60 years. Many of you may not know the debt of gratitude we owe to those who formed the organization, but if we look around Bucks County today, much of what we love was preserved due to the work of those men and women,” said Mr. Marshall. “We truly stand on the shoulders of giants who made this organization what it is today, and looking around this room, I firmly believe we will be a bigger, better and stronger organization moving forward.”
As the mission and paddle-raising portion of the evening came to a close, the Central Bucks East Select Choir joined the party, filling the dining room with beautiful Christmas music. The choir then moved to the Great Hall and sang from the balcony as guests listened from below. Nearly 75 years ago, guests of one of the Mercers’ Christmas parties stood in the same place listening to the famed von Trapp family of The Sound of Music carol from the balcony.
The festive atmosphere continued with everyone heading over to the dance floor. A DJ kept the crowd on their feet with a great mix of classics and modern hits.
By night’s end, attendees of Christmas at Aldie left with a greater appreciation of Heritage Conservancy’s work in our community. All net proceeds from Christmas at Aldie support the organization’s mission of preserving and protecting the natural and historic heritage of Bucks and Montgomery counties.
To view more photos from the event, click HERE.
Heritage Conservancy is thankful for the support of all Christmas at Aldie sponsors, including the event’s Presenting Sponsors: Cross Keys Place Shopping Center, Fox Rothschild LLP, Jeffrey A. Miller Catering, Penn Color, The Thompson Organization, and Wilmington Trust.
