b'Welcome to the Sands Point Preserve ConservancysGala Blanca: A Magical Night in White! Dear Gala Blanca Guests,Thank you so much for joining us at Gala Blanca: A Magical Night in White, where magic awaits you at every turn. We hope youll have a chance to see our roving magicians, visit our Tarot Card reader, and witness history coming to life with our AI video and live dance performance. But as important as this evenings dazzling experiences are, the reason were all here is to support the magic of the Sands Point Preserve. Every year, 50,000 people visit the Preserve for mansion tours, nature walks, educational programs, festivals, celebrations, and independent exploration. When you step foot on these grounds, magic happens. People come to the Preserve to gather, connect, daydream, relax, explore, learn, and have fun. By attending Gala Blanca tonight, you are supporting these ideals.In the last year, the Conservancy has taken on new projects to improve the Preserves visitor experience. We created The Icehouse, a new outdoor lounge with sail roofs and comfortable furniture. We opened the U.S. Navy Simulation Museum to pay homage to the 20 years when the Navy developed military training devices here on our grounds. We cleared invasive plant species, rehabilitated our pond, rebuilt the roofs and window lintels of Hempstead House, and hosted more programs than ever before. We could not have done this without your generous support. Thank you for your visits, your attendance, your membership, and your contributions. Thank you for your commitment to protecting nature, history, and community. Thank you for making the Sands Point Preserve a truly magical place.Best always,Karli HagedornJeremiah Bosgang Chairman of the BoardExecutive Director'