River House At Odette's Hosting Soiree Benefiting Stadium Project

NEW HOPE, PA — River House at Odette’s is joining forces with the New Hope-Solebury School District to raise money for the construction of the school’s first-ever stadium.

On March 9 from 5-8 p.m., the hotel will host a New Hope-Solebury Stadium Soiree featuring a sunset cocktail reception fundraiser with honoree, New Hope’s own Carl HJ Asplundh Jr.

The event will include stationed hors d’oeuvres, three-hour open bar and live entertainment performed by famed local pianist, Bob Egan, whose repertoire includes thousands of songs from The Great American Songbook, Broadway, Standards and the current Pop Hits of today.

Supporters can purchase tickets at River House’s website linked HERE.

Because River House is generously donating the venue space, refreshments, etc., for the evening, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the new stadium complex, a dream for the school community for more than 20 years.

“Energizing New Hope has been a part of River House at Odette’s mission since the hotel’s opening in 2020,” said Ron Gorodesky, founder and CEO of Refined Hospitality. “By supporting the New Hope-Solebury School District’s undertaking to construct their first ever stadium, we are able to bring that mission full circle by investing in the community’s future.”

The new stadium complex will include a field house with training rooms, a press box and upgraded sound system, a concession stand and pavilion, and fully accessible restrooms.

(Photo Courtesy of the New Hope-Solebury School District)

“The stadium project represents phase two of our district’s investment in our athletics
facilities. Last year, our school board approved the installation of a brand-new track and turf
field. This was critical to helping us address ongoing drainage issues and cracks in the track
surface,” said Superintendent Dr. Charles Lentz. “Once these basic needs were met, we were hopeful we could realize a stadium vision 20 years in the making for ourschool community by bringing in philanthropic contributions. It has been very heartening to see the community respond to that need.”

After reaching out to the community, the school district has received financial commitments of more than $1 million for the project. In addition, the school board has committed $1.2 million in district funds to address the most critical components of the project, such as the fully accessible restrooms.

The largest commitment for $750,000 comes from Carl Hj. Asplundh Jr., the evening's honoree. Under the district's naming policy, the stadium will be named New Hope-Solebury High School Asplundh Stadium in recognition of the donation.

A second pledge for $150,000 is from an anonymous donor. Under the district’s naming policy, the new press box will be named the “Pop-Pop” Heath Press Box.

The district has also received donations from the Robert Nagg Memorial Fund for $61,000 and The First National Bank of Newtown for $25,000.

“This stadium has many implications for our students, both now and in the future. In our district, we deeply value student participation in extracurriculars and the dimension this brings to their educational experience,” said Superintendent Lentz. “Whether it’s the athlete who is the star player on the field, or the student leading a cheer in the stands, they all have something to gain from school spirit and camaraderie.”