This unique opportunity to support Schiff Natural Lands Trust's mission and legacy of maintaining precious open lands is limited to 160 guests, ages 21 and over. Smart casual attire is encouraged. We regret to inform those with accessibility limitations; the venue and adjacent lawn presents accessibility challenges to include uneven terrain and the use of stairs for the historical presentation and bathroom access.
If interested in attending the Full Event or Cocktails & Dinner tickets with a beef menu selection, please email with inquiries. We may be able to accomodate. Thank you for your interest and support of Schiff Natural Lands Trust.
Unable to Join? Please consider a donation in support of Schiff Natural Lands Trust.
Historian and Schiff trustee, W. Barry Thomson, will give an illustrated presentation about the history of James Cox Brady's 5,000-acre Hamilton Farm estate, with a focus on its iconic stable and carriage barn, now the headquarters of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation.
Completed in 1917 - and now listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places - the elegant Hamilton Farm stable has a rich and varied history.
After serving as the Brady family's private stable and carriage barn, and frequent meeting place for the Essex Fox Hounds, during World War II the stable's equestrian-related functions gave way to activities in support of the war effort.
Before the United States entered the war the stable served as a canning factory for fruits and vegetables grown on the estate. Some 36,000 quarts of food were shipped to England during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.
After Pearl Harbor, the building was converted into a fully staffed and functional emergency hospital, complete with an operating room, for use in the event of an enemy attack on the East Coast. Later, the building served as a convalescent and rehabilitation facility for merchant mariners injured in trans-Atlantic war convoys.
Beginning in 1961, the Hamilton Farm stable reverted to its original use when it became the training center and headquarters for the United States Equestrian Team. Through the years, it has been instrumental in shaping American equestrianism while remaining a beacon for land conservation efforts. Today, Gladstone continues to host events and training clinics, supported by the USET Foundation, ensuring the preservation of its rich legacy and the surrounding landscape for future generations.
The musical freestyle is the most popular display of dressage in which riders literally dance with their horses. The music is chosen to highlight the character of the horse. Witness these captivating, harmonious performances between horse and rider by purchasing a VIP or Full Event Experience.
The Dressage Exhibit will feature the accomplished trainer and competitor, Kim Herslow of Kim Herslow Dressage. Kim Herslow is a FEI-level dressage trainer and competitor who has represented the United States at the 2015 Nations Cup and Pan American Games Dressage Team. Kim has dedicated a lifetime to studying the art of riding and horsemanship in order to improve her own skills, succeed in the competition arena, and ultimately develop the talents of her horses and clients.
Based out of her own Upper Creek Farm, in Stockton, New Jersey, Kim offers a boutique-style training program catering to the individual needs of her horses and clients. Read more.
Guests of The VIP and Full Event Experience will begin their evening at 5:00 p.m. with cocktails in the Rotunda, followed by a dressage exhibition, historic talk and dinner.
Guests of the Cocktails & Dinner Experience will begin their evening at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails followed by dinner consisting of a three-course locally sourced seasonal menu crafted by Chef Anthony Bryant.
Anthony Bryant hails from a culinary lineage in lower Pennsylvania, where he was immersed in the
world of food from a young age, surrounded by family members who were chefs and bakers. His
culinary journey began under the guidance of his mother, who instilled in him a deep appreciation
for cooking through nightly family meals. Eager to expand his skills, Anthony embarked on his first
job at a local butcher shop, where he gained invaluable knowledge in butchery and leadership
fundamentals. Recognizing the importance of learning from seasoned professionals, Anthony
sought mentorship from Chef Scott Morozin, whose guidance propelled him to excel in culinary
school, where he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America at the top of his class. With a
solid foundation, Anthony honed his craft in Michelin-starred restaurants, mastering the art of
designing and executing menu items. His culinary prowess led him to establish his own Spanish
American restaurant in Connecticut, where he meticulously crafted a diverse menu from scratch.
Anthony's extensive accomplishments serve as a testament to his culinary expertise, and his
unwavering dedication to supporting organizations whose mission resonates with his core values.
The 2024 Farm to Table Benefit Dinner will be thoughtfully prepared by Chef Anthony Bryant. The fresh ingredients for the Farm to Table menu are curated within 10 miles of Schiff Nature Preserve Mendham. Thanks to an abundance of local family farms, we are delighted to present a menu leaning heavily on many NJ seasonal favorites like apples, onions, squash, late tomatoes, and greens. A vegetarian/gluten free menu option will also be available.
We are so very thrilled to have the support of our Event Sponsors to ensure the success of Schiff's Annual Farm to Table Benefit Dinner. Please join us in thanking them for their generous support.
Schiff has proudly partnered again with Larger Cross in Oldwick to adorn the USET VIP stalls with an array of artwork, floral, and decorative pieces that serve to elevate the private corner stalls into a magnificent VIP experience. Larger Cross was recently recognized by House Beautiful as "One of House Beautiful's Best Home Stores". Please join us in thanking our design partner Alice Minnich for her artistic flair and generous support of Schiff's fundraising efforts.
Larger Cross - A lifestyle shop inspired by seasonal country living. Larger Cross offers a mix of beautifully made, timeless products for your home and garden, new home furnishings, one-of-a-kind antiques, practical housewares, and garden supplies. Called one of Veranda's "50 Most Beautiful Shops in the World". Located in Oldwick, NJ and open Wednesday - Saturday, 11:00 - 5:00, and by appointment.
Laura specializes in exquisite arrangements and elegant décor for everyday and special occasions. Her trademark designs are a synthesis of fine European style and American inventiveness. Since 2000, Laura has been providing design expertise to clients in the New York tri-state area and various foreign destinations.
Known for having an incredible eye for color and an ability to design a space for the events she is booked for, her clients utilize her expertise to coordinate anything from large extravagant weddings, intimate dinner parties, baby and bridal showers, engagement parties, to corporate parties. Laura set's no limit on what project she takes on. She has subsequently earned numerous awards and accolades from regional and national magazines, associations, and private devotees.
Stemming from her love of nature and gardening, Laura's background includes a four-year degree in horticulture from Cornell university and numerous apprenticeships with well-known designers such as Kenneth Turner, Jane Packer, Christian Tortu, Tage Andersen, and many others in and around London, Paris, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and New York. Their team looks forward to meeting with new clients and helping bring their dream day to life.
Cancellation requests prior to Saturday, 9/7 at 11 am:
Full refunds will be issued to our guests minus a $40 administrative fee.
Cancellation requests post Saturday, 9/7 at 11 am:
No refunds will be issued post Sat, 9/7. Instead, fees will be applied to a Trail Blazer Schiff membership and considered a regrets donation in support of the Farm to Table Benefit Dinner.
Please allow a week's time for us to process cancellation refunds and tax donation letters. Thank you again for supporting Schiff. We hope to see you at the preserve enjoying a hike, one of our recreational programs, or at our next fundraising event. Until then, take care.
Please consider making a Schiff donation today or become a member!
