Tickets are now SOLD OUT!
Enjoy a fun and relaxed evening with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction & raffle, and good company in a beautiful setting.
Saturday, August 9, 2025, 5:00-7:30 p.m. ET
Join us for a fun and relaxed evening in a beautiful setting. This year’s event is being held at Jeanie Van Nice’s stunning 10-acre property on the Lake, featuring a lovingly restored prairie that in August will be blanketed with summer blooms.
But what makes the location truly special? Jeanie and her late husband, Peter Van Nice, are founders of COL—the organization was brought to life at the kitchen table of this very Lakeside home.
COL is seeking to acquire a new nature preserve that will become the "Founders' Preserve," named in honor of the organization’s four founders. As always, the Annual Benefit supports COL’s mission of permanently preserving our community’s cherished natural open spaces… and this year, we’ll also be raising funds for the acquisition of the Founder’s Preserve.
For more information, please contact Lolly Roberts at (269) 405-1006 or LRoberts@chikamingopenlands.org.
Our Annual Benefit Silent Auction is officially OPEN FOR BIDDING! The auction features a variety of items and experiences, including foursomes at exclusive golf courses, the chance to be a COL naturalist for a day, a week stay in Montana, and so much more! Click HERE to learn more and start bidding!
This auction is open to everyone. You DO NOT have to attend the Annual Benefit to bid. If you are attending the Benefit this Saturday, cell service near the lakeshore may affect your ability to bid, so get those bids in early!
Bidding will end at 10:00pm ET this Sunday, August 10.
Proceeds benefit Chikaming Open Lands, dedicated to preserving the natural, rural character of our region.
Raffle tickets are on sale now! Enjoy a private dinner for up to 8 people in the Library Room at The Historian. The experience includes three courses—starter, entrée and dessert—and two alcoholic beverages per person. The Historian is an intimate and inviting cocktail lounge and wine bar, featuring a menu of delectable fare tailored to the season, specialty cocktails and an extensive wine selection. Owner Michael Faltum has created a space where the drinks and cuisine are excellent, consistent, and unique...just like the vibe.
Dinner will be scheduled on a mutually agreed-upon date, based on availability and staffing. Please schedule well in advance, particularly during the summer months. Not available on major holidays or major holiday weekends. Must be redeemed by August 9, 2026.
We are selling only 100 tickets at $100 each. The winner will be announced at our Annual Benefit on August 10. The winner does not need to be present to win.
To purchase tickets, stop by the Chikaming Open Lands office or call (269) 405-1006 during normal business hours: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm ET.
These tickets will go quickly! Get yours now.
License #: R82072
