MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY – The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) announced today that their 40th Anniversary Celebration Gala will take place in-person on Thursday, October 3, 5:00-9:00 PM at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey. Guests will have the option to sit outside on the patio under an open tent or inside in the ballroom. The evening’s Keynote Speaker, Dave Robinson, is the New Jersey State Climatologist and a distinguished professor at Rutgers University.
“We are so grateful to have Dave Robinson speak at our Gala, especially in light of the recent catastrophic storm events,” stated Sally Rubin, GSWA Executive Director. “I have been fortunate to hear Dave speak on several occasions. His presentations are always interesting, informative, and a real eye-opener about the current state of our environment and how we must work together to protect our planet’s future.”
The Gala, GSWA’s largest fundraiser of the year, offers all who attend a lively evening of fine dining that includes a vegan meal option, a silent auction with over 100 unique items, and remarks from Dave Robinson. Guests who purchase a VIP ticket will enjoy a private reception of cocktails and gourmet hors d’oeuvres on the patio.
“As GSWA celebrates 40 years of protecting our water and our land from Mendham to Newark Bay, or as we like to say, from source to sea, it’s an important reminder that we must all remain vigilant in safeguarding these precious resources so they do not disappear from our rearview mirror.” Stated Ms. Rubin.
GSWA will request that masks be worn except when seated. The organization has been closely monitoring COVID-19 protocols and will continue to seek guidance from relevant authorities in order to provide a safe environment for all attendees.
Those interested in purchasing tickets or learning more about the Gala, including underwriting and program advertising opportunities, may visit GreatSwamp.org or call (973) 538-3500.
GSWA is thankful to their generous Gala Underwriters: New Jersey American Water, Atlantic Health System, Dixon Energy, Senlac Ridge Partners, Adrienne & Reed Auerbach, Avelino Law, BASF, Agi & Matt Krauser, PSEG, Schenk, Price, Smith & King, and Valley Bank. Proceeds from all underwriting, ticket sales and auction purchases support the environmental stewardship, education, water quality, and advocacy programs of the Great Swamp Watershed Association.
This year’s Gala announcement comes on the heels of a flurry of recent activity from GSWA, which recently held its fourth annual Great Swamp Great Music festival in the expansive grounds of Giralda Farms in Chatham Township. As the second largest fundraiser of the year after the Gala, the festival followed all mandated COVID-19 protocols and successfully exceeded the established goals and expectations with nearly 700 people in attendance. With the start of the new school year, GSWA is back to providing environmental educational programs to students at all levels. The organization also continues providing environmental speaker programs, guided hikes, and workshops open to the public. Their year-round water quality program has been expanded to include testing for PFAS (toxic chemicals) and ongoing land stewardship at GSWA’s 73-acre Conservation Management Area (CMA) on Tiger Lily Lane in Harding offers maintained trails and open space for all to enjoy.
GSWA serves as a leading advocate and defender of New Jersey’s precious natural resources, promoting an understanding of the importance of protecting our drinking water and preserving the natural beauty of our environment.
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About the Great Swamp Watershed Association
Celebrating its 40th year, the Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the water resources of the Passaic River region, from the Great Swamp headwaters to Newark Bay, for present and future generations. Through education, advocacy, science, land preservation, and stewardship, in collaboration with partners, we work to instill our communities with an awareness of water’s effect on health and the beauty of the environment, from source to sea.
For more information about the Great Swamp Watershed Association, visit www.GreatSwamp.org.
