Keeping a Legacy Alive
An event steered by a famed landscape photographer raises awareness for a special piece of historic land in Estero
The stars and lights shone bright on Saturday evening, January 17. Happehatchee Center, The Park in the Heart of the Village, held a gala with live music, fine foods, a silent auction and keynote speaker Clyde Butcher, renowned Florida landscape photographer. The soldout event raised more than $8,000 to help preserve and protect the precious 5 acres situated in the middle of what will soon be known as the Village of Estero town center.
Many already know that the 66 acres of wooded land at the corner of Tamiami Trail and Corkscrew Road are for sale. Many already know that the land is being eyed by developers and plans are to make the land a multi-use commercial and residential site. Many don’t know that at the heart of that land lies 5 acres of rich history that are now historically preserved and fighting for the right to remain untouched.
Butcher is well aware of this information and volunteered his time to honor Ellen Peterson, longtime friend and advocate for the Florida environment. The 5 acres once served as Peterson’s home—her spiritual playground—open to all who needed a place to unwind, relax and forget about the day-to-day bustle of life. Her final wishes were to keep this legacy alive, and a small group of her closest friends are doing all that they can to make sure this happens.
The evening began with live jazz music, hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary bar. Attendees walked along sparkling lit paths from the Peace Pavilion parking lot to the historic Girl Scout house, where there was a plethora of silent auction baskets to bid on.
Butcher’s presentation began at 6:30 p.m. He entertained for over an hour, welcomed all questions from the audience and signed calendars and prints, which were available for purchase and offered as prizes at the event.
The evening wrapped up with coffee, tea, dessert and many positive words of future support for Happehatchee endeavors.