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Kate VanGytenbeek, Karen Wilson and Susanne Lyons presenting the award to Jamie Redford |
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The Redford Center’s guests for the event included Mindy Marin, Executive Director Jill Tidman, Jamie Redford, Kyle Redford, Rachel Minard and Douglas Philips |
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Board member Julie Allecta is impressed by the new site plans for the future facility that were unveiled at the event |
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Representatives from one of the event’s Supporting Sponsors Union Bank: Monica Brazil, Yusuf Hansia, Elaine Cramer, Herman Badgett, and Lia Economopoulos |
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Jamie Redford with Maureen Groper (Bronze sponsor) and Camilla Smith |
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Jill Tidman, Susanne Lyons, Jamie Redford and Karen Wilson |
On November
12, WildCare presented the 2014 WildCare Environmental Award (WEA) to The
Redford Center and its Chairman, James” Jamie” Redford.
Founded
in 2005 by Robert Redford and his son James, The Redford Center exists as a way
for the family to consistently and thoughtfully participate in solving some of
the most critical issues of our time. They get involved where there’s a
pressing need for awareness and hope, and where public engagement and good
timing can make all the difference. The Redford Center also designs impact
campaigns for the films they produce so that awareness can truly be the spark
that leads to positive change.
Prior to the award
presentation, WildCare’s Board President and Capital Campaign Chair Susanne
Lyons (also Platinum sponsor of the event with her husband Jeff Lyons) formally
announced the beginning of the public phase for the capital campaign and
saluted all of the donors that have contributed a total of more than $2.5
million during the quiet phase of the campaign.
Karen Wilson
introduced The Redford Center with a compilation video of some of its films.
After calling Jamie Redford, Susanne Lyons and Kate VanGytenbeek (a WildCare
board member who was also representing her employer, the event’s Presenting
Sponsor Northern Trust) to the stage for the award presentation, Karen
surprised Jamie by reading a note of congratulations to him from 2013 WEA
honoree Dr. Jane Goodall!
The letter
from Dr. Goodall was the second surprise Jamie received that evening; the first
was the performance by the band This Old Earthquake from Bolinas during the
sponsor reception (the band is a favorite of Jamie’s and it has worked on some
projects with The Redford Center).
After
accepting the award, Jamie told the audience that The Redford Center makes
films in order to celebrate the potential we all have to solve a range of
environmental and social issues. He understands that some issues such as
climate change, can seem daunting and overwhelming, and too often we are left
feeling helpless and hopeless in the face of these huge issues. By focusing on
what we can do, the Redford Center's films and campaigns inspire action.
Jamie also
discussed his recent visit to WildCare, and complimented the staff and
volunteers on their passion and commitment to wildlife and nature education.
Speaking of wildlife, Jamie explained that he has a special concern for the
health and conservation of habitats that sustain humans and wildlife, and he
shared stories about the changes he witnessed at his family’s home in Utah.
When he was a kid, wildlife were scarce, but when his kids were growing up,
they were warned to be careful when they went outdoors at night as wildlife had
returned to the area over the years in significant numbers! And earlier this
fall when he and his wife Kyle visited Utah, on the drive to their home they
encountered a majestic herd of elk crossing the road.
Jamie concluded
his remarks with a rousing pitch for support of WildCare’s new facility (he
still cannot believe the work that takes place in the small hospital on Albert
Park Lane!) and that was the perfect set-up for Susanne to return to the stage
for the Fund-A-Need!
The goal for Fund-A-Need was $25,000 for WildCare’s nature
education programs, and the final total committed was nearly $40,000, and it
was all raised in under five minutes! During the Fund-A-Need, Susanne donned
her Terwilliger Nature Guide Vest and shared stories of her experiences taking
schoolchildren on nature hikes at China Camp.
The Fund-A-Need was bolstered by
special challenge grants made prior to the event by the Winifred Johnson Clive
Foundation and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
Photos by James Hall Photographer / Kirstina Sangsahachart
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