Women Creating a Legacy

Join us for the Eighth Annual Women Creating A Legacy event

We have a new event blooming this year in our historic gardens.

Join us at the Women Creating A Legacy cocktail party on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 5pm-8pm. We’re hosting a garden party you won’t want to miss at the partially restored Battles White House, 306 Walnut Street, Girard, PA. Wear your favorite floral dress and stylish hat and enjoy a country garden party celebrating businesswoman and philanthropist Charlotte Elizabeth Battles.

Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres from Make it Fabulous, bar, and music. This event promises to be a great party with committee members Lauren Bauer, Emily Fessler Suchanec, Erin Fessler, Susan Kanonczyk, Abby Lechner, Barb Lechner, Dr. Kim Mascia, Leah Murphy, Lisa NeCastro, and Dana Zaphiris. Last year 220 guests attended!

Last year 220 guests attended!

This is a campus-wide, inside/outside fundraising party to support the $250,000 restoration of the Battles historic home. As a unique perk, Women Creating A Legacy will be the first group invited to see this homestead.  This White House was built in 1861 by Rush Battles, Charlotte’s father, and the restoration began in 2024 with a massive project including exterior painting. Additional restorations will be completed in 2025.

Sponsorships are available. See the attached list.  

Tickets are priced at $100.  Women 40 years and younger pay their age. For example, a 30-year-old woman pays $30.

Invitations will be mailed out in May. If you have any questions, or wish to receive an invitation, contact Geri Cicchetti, Advancement Director, at gcicchetti@eriehistory.org or 814-454-1813 x 34.

To become a sponsor or purchase tickets, go online to http://weblink.donorperfect.com/WomenCreatingALegacy.

Sponsorship levels

Thank You to Our 2025 Committee and Sponsors

Committee members: 

Lauren Bauer, Geri Cicchetti, Erin Fessler, Emily Fessler Suchanec, Susan Kanonczyk, Abby Lechner,

Barb Lechner, Dr. Kimberly Mascia, Leah Murphy, Lisa NeCastro, and Dana Zaphiris

Diamond Sponsor

Sarah Hagen McWilliams

Platinum Sponsors

Sloane Bly, Teresa Brugger, Erie Community Foundation, Mary Lincoln, Dr. Kimberly Mascia

Gold Sponsors

Peep Brereton, Amy Cuzzola-Kern, Ellen E. Dailey, MD, Martha Hilbert,

Lynn McBrier, Leah Murphy, Lisa NeCastro, Robin Scheppner, Sandra Tucker, Jean Witkowski, Dana Zaphiris

Silver Sponsors

Lauren Bauer, Michelee Curtze, Bonnie Enders, Nancy Hilbert, Dianne Howard, Susan Kanonczyk, 

Abby Lechner, Deborah Murphy, Elaine Pastor, Inara Renkis, Elizabeth Sesler, Judy Saurer, Linda Terella, Marian Wolford

Bronze Sponsors

Ambridge Rose Spa and Salon, Bethany Weaver Baney,

Jennifer Brugger, Donelle Davey, Christie Ferrier, Erin Fessler,

Emily Fessler Suchanec, Vanessa Fremer, Mili Chiang-Hanes, Christina Ohmer Hilbert, Barbara Lechner, Kelly Montefiori, Michele Ridge, Lisa Salvia, Nancy Sennett, Janice Showler,

Lally Strayer, Lauren Unger, Amy Valentine, Gwendolyn White