Twelve Oaks Mansion Serves Up More than Fine Food at the Woodlands Foundation’s Butterfly Ball

By Vanessa Orr

There are many factors that go into putting together a truly special event: the ambience of the location, the elegance of the setting and of course, the quality of the food. Finding the right caterer is not only essential to an event’s success, but in some cases, can provide benefits that extend beyond the initial affair.

This was the case when Twelve Oaks Mansion and owner/partner Peter Medure recently catered the Woodlands Foundation’s annual fundraiser, the Butterfly Ball. “In addition to providing a beautifully catered event, Peter offered a donation for our auction, which consisted of a catered dinner in a person’s home for 10 to 12 guests,” explained Leslie Uriss-Spehar, communications director for the Woodlands Foundation. “Two groups were actively bidding on the dinner, and after the high bidder won, Peter offered another dinner to the low bidder to raise even more money for our organization.” Each dinner raised approximately $2,800.

According to Medure, going the extra mile for clients is common for Twelve Oaks Mansion, whether they are catering a fundraiser, wedding, anniversary or graduation party, or a corporate or social event. When Medure and partners Linda Santa and Chris Kaclick opened the catering business in January of 2008, their goal was to provide a more intimate banquet facility for events in the North Hills, in addition to superior off-premise catering services. Clients can hold functions in the elegant Twelve Oaks Mansion, located in Mars, PA, or choose to host fully catered events right in their own homes.

“One of the things that sets us apart from other caterers is that we customize every menu to meet each client’s needs,” explained Medure. “Instead of providing a packaged menu, we sit down with the client to determine what they enjoy, and then develop a menu and an overall program based on their wishes.”

Twelve Oaks Mansion is known for their exceptional food quality. “Everything is homemade; nothing is pre-made,” said Medure. “We have an incredible executive chef and pastry chef on staff, so we are able to make all of our own wedding cakes, pastries and desserts.”

Food operations are overseen by catering manager Bethany Santa and by Medure, who grew up in the food service industry. “My parents founded Medure’s Catering in New Castle in 1979 when I was 10,” he explained. “My four brothers and I, all of whom are still in the industry, got started at a young age.”

Chris Kaclick, a local builder and developer, was partnering with Linda Santa on the Heritage Creek area development when they were approached by Medure about partnering together on the banquet facility. “We built Twelve Oaks Mansion from the ground up and I implemented the operational standards,” explained Medure. “Linda’s son, Michael, who owns a woodshop, built all of our custom cabinetry.”

Twelve Oaks Mansion features an elegant ballroom that can seat 275 people, as well as a library that will hold 110 guests, and an executive boardroom that can fit 24. The library is adjacent to a 30-foot by 30-foot gazebo that overlooks an incredible panoramic view. “In order to cater to larger groups, we are also expanding our off-premise services so that we can provide full-service catering to community and outreach groups like churches, schools and nonprofit organizations, as well as corporate and business clientele,” said Medure.

One such organization is the Woodlands Foundation, now celebrating its 10th year. The Wexford property had been used for camps for many years, and in 1998, the Woodlands Foundation was created to expand its use with the goal of creating a place that would enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

“What’s most unique about our facility is that it is fully accessible to people in wheelchairs or who need mobility aids,” explained Executive Director Peter Clakeley. “Because of this, we are able to host retreats, meetings and functions for agencies and organizations throughout western Pennsylvania who serve people with disabilities.

“We also host our own programs, which are geared toward providing safe, enriching experiences for our participants,” he added. “We provide social, cultural and spiritual enrichment programs, as well as experiences with nature and recreational activities.” Programs include the Notes from the Heart music camp, Mazeroski sports camp, Creative Arts Camp and weekend retreats, and even include guest appearances by sports celebrities and Pittsburgh Opera performers.

In addition, the Woodlands Foundation offers aquatics programs year-round and has the only fully accessible Par 3 golf course designed for people with disabilities. “Pros from the USGA, PGA and LPGA volunteer their time to come here to teach kids to golf,” said Clakeley.

Children and young adults with disabilities can participate in numerous activities throughout the year, and many return year after year for the summer camps. In 2008, more than 2,000 individuals took advantage of the Woodlands’ programs, with total participation numbering more than 5,000 visits. Groups who benefit from the Woodlands’ facilities include The Children’s Institute, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, the Prader Willi Association, the American Diabetes Association, the Arthritis Foundation and Variety the Children’s Charity-Pittsburgh, among others.

“We are so lucky in that many individuals, foundations and local businesses, such as Twelve Oaks Mansion, help to support our mission,” said Uriss-Spehar. “They not only help us with fundraisers, but often provide us with wonderful volunteers. And we rarely have to ask.”

For more information on The Woodlands Foundation, call (724) 935-6533 or visit www.woodlandsfoundation.org. For information on Twelve Oaks Mansion, visit www.twelveoaksmansion.com or call (724) 625-2343.