Archive: Around Town

The Whispering Pines community in Lansing was the setting for Family and Children's Service of Ithaca's 13th annual Cayuga at Twilight, where almost 300 guests toured five homes, each with food, wine, art, and music donated by Ithaca businesses.

Ithaca, NY September 16, 2010 -- Each year Cayuga at Twilight is held in a different neighborhood, where homeowners open their doors to welcome party goers who walk from residence to residence sampling food and wine donated by local restaurants and wineries. Musicians and florists also donate their time and craft to add atmosphere to the evening. This year art was displayed for sale, with a portion of the purchase price benefiting Family and Children's Service of Ithaca (F&CS). In addition, each of the five artists donated a work, raffled at the final home and Tauck World Discovery raffled a European trip for two. Cayuga at Twilight guests also enjoyed sitting for an on the spot portrait by caricaturist Dino DiArtist.

The event raised over $42,000 to support children's mental health in Tompkins County, a need that F&CS addresses every day. This year, all proceeds went to the Children's Comprehensive Care Fund which insures children receive optimal, comprehensive mental health care, including consultations that are not covered by private insurance or public subsidies. Cayuga at Twilight is F&CS's largest annual fundraiser that supports this need.

The event was sponsored by Warren Real Estate and homes were sponsored by Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Tompkins Trust Company, and True Insurance. Passed and stationed food was provided by The Country Club of Ithaca, The Heights Café & Grill, Maxie's Supper Club, Mira's Mediterranean Bistro, Simeon's, and Taverna Banfi. Vintners and Brewers included Dr. Konstantin Frank, Hermann J. Weimer Vineyard, Ithaca Beer Company, King Ferry Winery, Sheldrake Point Vineyard, and Thirsty Owl. Floral arrangements were donated by Bool's Flower Shop, Business is Blooming, Flower Fashions by Haring, Ithaca Flower Shop, and Michaeleen's Florist and Garden Center. Local musicians included Andy Culpepper, Jim Lawrence, Harry Segal & Chris Gibbons, and Toivo. The featured artists were Annie Campbell, Nerys Gregory, Erica Pollock, Jenny Pope, and Jacques Schickel.

F&CS is the oldest existing human service agency in Tompkins County, working in the community since 1885. This year marks the 125th anniversary of service. The organization aims to provide affordable, professional services that support children, families, and organizations in finding solutions to the challenges of life.

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