Spirits were high at this spring’s Business Partners Reception at Aldie Mansion. This annual happy hour event allows Heritage Conservancy to honor and celebrate the support of the many generous locals businesses that fuel its triple mission of land conservation, historic preservation, and community outreach and education.
This year marked the first awards presentation. Three businesses were chosen to be honored for their contributions to Heritage Conservancy’s work in the community. Awards were presented to the following Heritage Conservancy Business Partners for their special ongoing support of our mission.
Penn Color, Inc.
Wins the Heritage Conservancy Land Conservation Award
Kevin Putman, Jr. accepted the award, presented to him by Katie Paone-Kulp, Heritage Conservancy’s Director of Development.
Penn Color’s $1,000,000 unrestricted gift to Heritage Conservancy, made in 2109 and paid over five years, accelerated land conservation efforts. The number of projects in the pipeline more than doubled in the last year. The gift allowed for an expansion of the Heritage Conservancy staff and investments in technology that have expanded capacity and allowed the team to explore new partnerships, take a pro-active approach, and ultimately conserve more acres of land than ever before.
“Penn Color and the Putman family have made a critical investment in preservation, improving the quality of life for all of us in this community,” says Katie. “They have been one of our longest standing Business Sponsors — supporting us for over 30 years.”
In addition to generous financial support, Penn Color has introduced Heritage Conservancy into its work culture and shared its mission with employees. For the past three years, they have invited Heritage Conservancy staff to share educational informational presentations with their staff.
They also annually send their team out to volunteer at the Russell-Mandel Nature Preserve, where they work with Heritage Conservancy land managers to plant native trees and bushes, creating a riparian buffer which helps protect the local watershed.
“Not only do these two things support our mission, but they inspire others within their company to also get involved and make their own personal connection and impact,” says Katie.
“For me and for my family, what really sets this region apart is the natural and cultural heritage of Bucks County,” says Kevin Putman, Jr. “Communities risk losing that heritage if there aren’t organizations that can properly conserve and steward those things. My opinion, and my family’s opinion for decades, is that Heritage Conservancy is the best organization to do just that.”
“They have proven time and time again that they don’t just have a great vision, but that they can execute on that vision.” The gift from Penn Color, Inc. adds invaluable resources to that effort.
Zaveta Custom Homes, LLC
Wins the Heritage Conservancy Historic Preservation Award
Rich Zaveta accepted the award, presented by Kris Kern, Heritage Conservancy’s Vice President.
Zaveta Custom Homes, LLC, has been an active supporter of Heritage Conservancy for over 31 years. “He has a genuine appreciation for historic structures,” says Kris. Zaveta has supported restoration projects with Heritage Conservancy.
“Rich recognized the value of the Russell-Mandel farmhouse and provided us with a practical approach to repair issues while honoring the historic character,” says Kris. The building will hold office space, equipment storage, and host a native plant nursery. He has partnered with Heritage Conservancy on the restoration work and understands the complexities of historic preservation.
“It’s a tall order to make this preservation happen,” says Rich. He acknowledged the work and dedication of Heritage Conservancy’s staff. “That positive, cooperative spirit is always there. Time is everything in making these conservation deals work… Everyone in this room is willing to go that extra mile, to put in the extra time. The clock doesn’t stop at 5, it stops when the job is done.”
Among their ongoing support efforts, Zaveta sponsored a project that allowed Heritage Conservancy to research and create a 1798 landowners map of Tinicum Township, Bucks County.
Rich and Madeline Zaveta have donated a conservation easement on their 145-acre farm in Tinicum Township. Heritage Conservancy holds the conservation easement.
“Rich is passionate about encouraging an understanding of and stewardship for the natural outdoors by future generations,” says Kris. “He’s proud of the impact that being raised on a preserved farm has had on his children.”
The Fred Beans Automotive Group
Wins the Heritage Conservancy Community Engagement and Education Award
Beth Beans Gilbert accepted the award from Shannon Fredebaugh-Siller, Community Engagement Programs Manager, and Heritage Conservancy Board Member Chris Chandor.
“Fred Beans Automotive Group’s continued support and contributions to our educational programs with local schools have truly been transformational,” says Shannon.
“From 2021 through 2023, the support provided by Beth Beans Gilbert and the Fred Beans Automotive Group has allowed us to provide an additional 70 program days for over 4,000 students across Bucks County. Our engaging hands-on programs and outdoor experiences will hopefully stay with these children throughout their lives, helping to shape them into adults who will care for our local land and history.”
The Fred Beans Automotive Group uses EITC (Earned Income Tax Credits) to support Heritage Conservancy community education programs. Their $50,000 gift this year will be used to fuel outdoor classroom learning for school kids in Lower Bucks County and after school programs, including a nature club, for Bucks County middle and high schoolers, an age group often overlooked by environmental and nature education programs.
“The Fred Beans Automotive Group proudly supports Heritage Conservancy’s efforts to preserve and protect our natural and historic heritage,” says Beth. The family business has supported Heritage Conservancy in numerous ways over more than 20 years, including as regular sponsors of Heritage Conservancy events and helping with the purchase of a new work truck for land stewardship. Beth is excited about their annual EITC support of Heritage Conservancy.
“This annual support prioritizes the use of funding for education so future generations help carry on the mission of the Conservancy,” she says. “We know this type of outreach is critically important to ensure our community members value all our areas to offer and understand how to become stewards themselves of our environment.”
“Support from the local business community is essential to the success of our mission,” says Emily Bonavitacola, Heritage Conservancy’s Membership & Special Events Manager. “It is inspiring to see businesses in Bucks County and the surrounding areas taking an active role in our work, and funding projects that benefit the community we share, the communities where they do business.”
Emily organizes this annual event but also works alongside companies for employee volunteer days out in the field, matching companies with projects that fit their philanthropic goals, and making presentations to Business Partner employees on Heritage Conservancy’s land, education, and history work. She was happy to celebrate with them at the reception.
To see all of the event photos and more, check out our Business Partners Reception event program.
Heritage Conservancy’s Business Partners cross many sectors, including architecture, finance, insurance, marketing, the arts, and more.
Learn how you can get involved, from an annual gift to sponsorships, employee work days, and other options that can involve your staff. Read more or contact Emily Bonavitacola at ebonavitacola@heritageconservancy.org to discuss projects, events, and other opportunities for support that fit the focus of your mission.
All photos were shot by photographer Barbara Bell-Hawkey. See more of her photos in the event program.