Environmental Defense Fund's 50th Anniversary Gala

November 2017. San Francisco, Terra Gallery

Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has worked tirelessly to solve the world’s biggest environmental problems. To celebrate 50 years of “finding the ways that work”, EDF wanted to gather longtime supporters, partners, and associates to thank them and outline the pivotal steps on the path ahead.

To match the magnitude of the accomplishment, EDF hosted an event in San Francisco on November 29, 2017. Working with EDF from the beginning of the process, Empire helped source and secure the perfect venue and backdrop for the event, Terra Gallery.

More than 225 attendees enjoyed mingling during a cocktail hour, complete with a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a live jazz guitarist.

Guests then moved upstairs for the stage program and seated dinner. Following the over-arching theme of the “Four Waves” of environmentalism, host Margaret Hoover (author, activist, and CNN analyst) introduced two original videos generated specifically for the event: the first documenting the growth of the environmental movement and EDF’s role in it, and the second focusing on EDF’s work harnessing the power of partnerships to achieve environmental progress.

Kathleen McLaughlin, SVP, Chief Sustainability Officer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., sat in conversation with host Margaret Hoover to discuss how the EDF/Walmart partnership has helped the retailer eliminate several chemicals of concern from consumer product on their shelves, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their global supply chain had on company-wide sustainability at a corporate level.

To further drive home the message of impact, EDF welcomed a rancher, farmer, and fisherman to share stories on how EDF programs have directly benefited them and their industries, while advancing conservation for species and ecosystems.

The keynote speech was provided by former Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, who discussed the importance of partnering with EDF during his tenure, which helped the Navy and Marine Corps substantially reduce fuel consumption and improve energy security.

EDF President, Fred Krupp, who has led the organization for the past 33 years, rounded out the night with an impactful speech. His message acknowledged the challenges ahead, but offered hope that EDF – with the help of people in the room and others like them – could continue to make progress on the most pressing environmental problems facing the world.

Empire is proud to have produced this anniversary event and supports the work and mission of the EDF.

To learn more about the Environmental Defense Fund, please visit www.edf.org.