Environmental Defense Fund's 50th Anniversary Gala
April 2018. New York City, Ziegfeld Ballroom
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 gathered longtime supporters, partners, and associates to thank them and outline the pivotal steps on the path ahead.
On the heels of the success of the first celebration in San Francisco in the fall of 2017, the second installment of 50th Anniversary celebrations occurred at the newly re-designed and re-opened Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City on April 17, 2018.
Over 300 guests enjoyed mingling during a cocktail hour, complete with a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a live jazz trio.
Guests then moved into the ballroom 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 occasion: 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.
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. As a surprise unveiling, the fisherman (Buddy Guindon), announced to the crowd that the entrée they had just enjoyed was from his very own catch from the Gulf of Mexico.
The keynote speech was given by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who discussed his partnership with EDF during his tenure as mayor and since he left office.
EDF President, Fred Krupp, who has led the organization for the past 34 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.