b'Welcome, Halloween Enthusiasts!Once again this year, Hempstead House is transformed into a hauntingly beautiful setting for one of our most anticipated events of the seasonthe Halloween Ball. On this night, we invite you to escape the humdrum of everyday life and enter a new, fantastical world. To show your true inner self. Or be somebody else. To be creative, inspired, and free. We look forward to the Ball every year, and we are so excited to have you all here with us tonight.As 2023 nears its end, and we reflect on the past years accomplishments, we feel proud and grateful. Proud and grateful for the expansion of our programs to make the Preserve a relevant and accessible place for people of all ages, interests, and abilitiesPrincess Days at the Castle, the inaugural Long Island Fairy Festival at the Sands Point Preserve, ballroom dancing classes, orchestral, jazz, rock, and symphonic band concerts, Forest Bathing, and new nature education courses. Proud and grateful for the newly installed signs in our playground that make nonverbal communication possible for children of all abilities. Proud and grateful for the launch of our campaign to fight the invasive species that are destroying our native forests. Proud and grateful for the transformation of our Hempstead House Garden into a sustainable native garden ripe for pollinators. Proud and grateful for the success of our groundbreaking bluff stabilization pilot program.And the list goes on and on.When we dream about the future of the Preserve, we see children and families exploring and learning and bonding; we see adults connecting with nature and with each other; we see joy and peace and awe and community. We see a steadfast commitment to historic preservation, nature conservation, and programmatic innovation. Most importantly, we see youenjoying the open space, selecting your favorite spot, and finding meaningful ways to engage and participate.With our most sincere pride and gratitude, we thank you for being here tonight, for supporting the Preserve, and for making it the most special treasure that it is. Now, lets eat, drink, and dance the night away!Karli Hagedorn Jeremiah Bosgang Chairman of the BoardExecutive Director'