Good friends, good food, and good times were had by all at our 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner!
The evening kicked off with our reception and silent auction emceed by none other than PRN Communications and Outreach Coordinator (and Abe Lincoln look-alike) Jeff Kohmstedt. Featuring amazing items from sponsors Pantagonia, The Upper Bout, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Finest Home Inspection, Kickapoo Adventures, the Common Ground Food Co-op, and many more, the evening got kicked off in style with great company, amazing charity, and fun.
During the dinner, Executive Director Carol Hays outlined the new PRN strategic plan for 2019 – 2023. More information on that will come in our winter newsletter.
NWF Senior Wildlife Biologist John Kanter and his brother, PRN board member and Environmental Almanac writer, Rob Kanter, headlined the evening’s keynote address. The two spoke about growing up in Cincinnati, their different career paths, and the way their love of nature brought them closer as brothers. John’s talk on wildlife made it clear: time is running out if we are to protect species from the ravages of climate change.
Award Winners
This year’s award winners stole the show. We had the honor of bestowing the River Steward of the Year Award to Tom Eckels from Lake Villa, Illinois. As President of the Illinois Paddling Council, Tom volunteers his time to manage the Illinois Water TrailKeepers Program among many other activities.
Volunteers of the Year Awards went to Marty Kemper and Seth Swoboda for their tireless work to protect trees and other broadleaf plants from the devastating effects of herbicides. For two years, Prairie Rivers Network has worked with Marty and Seth on herbicide damage — they have an undying commitment to monitoring herbicide damage to trees and native prairies, and have volunteered their time spreading awareness and organizing a tree-monitoring program across the state. Their dedication to being good stewards of the land and their efforts to educate the media, lawmakers, government officials, and the public make them well-deserving of this year’s award.
The Fearless Fundraiser Award goes to the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Earth Care Team. For the last 6 years, this group of avid walkers has helped raise over $14,000 as part of our Illinois Marathon fundraiser campaign. Each year, these folks selflessly put themselves on the starting line to protect Illinois’ water.
The Outstanding Public Servant Award went to the Illinois Natural History Survey Rivers Team. The river programs at the Illinois Natural History Survey have been around for a long time, cover a lot of territory, and provide expertise and perspective to the scientific community, managers, and decision-makers on a wide breadth of issues. In an era when science seems to be losing ground, the INHS rivers team is a vital link between sound ecological science and our many uses of water.
You Gave Big!
The evening could not have been possible without you and your incredible generosity. Because of your pledges and donations, we raised $100,000 to protect the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois! Thank you to all the members, attendees, silent auction contributors, business members, speakers, award winners, and everyone involved with our 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner! It was a smashing success! Can’t wait to see you next year!
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