Sat Aug 29 @ 6PM
The Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s (WRLC) highly anticipated annual shindig, EverGreen EverBlue, is right around the corner. This year, it’s an all-new, homespun affair that’s sure to bring about a fabulous evening of delicious eats (menu created by Chef Chris Hodgson), great music (performed by the Giving Tree Band) and fantastic people at the Rustbelt Reclamation headquarters (East 36th and Superior Ave).
We sat down with Emily Bacha, manager of membership and special events, to learn more about this year’s sensation. (Rich Cochran, WRLC’s President and CEO, joined in for a hot second too!)
CC: What’s the genesis of EverGreen EverBlue? What’s the history, purpose, story, etcetera?
Emily: EverGreen EverBlue (EGEB) was inspired by supporter and former trustee Faith Pescatore in 2004. Faith chaired the first event at her barn in Bainbridge, Ohio. Each year the event has been held at a different outdoor venue, from the Chagrin River Valley to the Lake Erie Shore. The goal of EverGreen EverBlue is to raise money for and increase awareness of Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s land conservation and urban revitalization efforts. This will be the eleventh annual event.
CC: How has EGEB evolved and changed over the years? What different about this year than prior years?
Emily: The event has changed in size, location, and focus over the past several years, especially in light of the Land Conservancy’s more recent urban revitalization work. No matter the changes, EverGreen EverBlue is one of the hottest events to attend each year…and this year is no different.
For the first time ever, the Land Conservancy is hosting its annual fundraiser in the city and inside of a building, rather than under a tent. The event will take place in the Rustbelt Reclamation production and fulfillment spaces in the heart of Tyler Village. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the space — lumber storage, shop and finished product fulfilment area. Instead of our traditional sit-down dinner, farm-to-table food stations and bars will be scattered throughout the event space. And there will be no auctions or paddleraises at this year. Guests who donate directly to plant a tree or preserve and acre will receive a unique EverGreen EverBlue item produced by Rustbelt Reclamation.
CC: For those that aren’t familiar with the WRLC, why is the work the organization do important to our region and its people?
Emily: The Western Reserve Land Conservancy provides the people of our region with essential natural assets through land conservation and restoration. We help build and sustain thriving, prosperous communities supported by vibrant natural lands, working farms and healthy cities. To date, the Land Conservancy has permanently preserved more than 560 properties and more than 42,600 acres. We’ve helped raise enough money enabling communities to demolish more than 23,000 dilapidated and unsafe homes and we’ve planted more than 1,100 trees in the city of Cleveland.
CC: Why is Rustbelt Reclaimation the place to have this year’s event?
Rich: The artisan-quality work done at Rustbelt Reclamation is not only visually exciting but perfectly aligned with many of the Land Conservancy’s values — respecting our natural resources, revitalizing our cities, repurposing lumber and other materials, and reducing the amount of demolition debris going into our landfills. We are grateful for the chance to hold an event at Rustbelt Reclamation.
CC: What are you most excited about for the 2015 event?
Emily: For one night only, one of Cleveland’s coolest homegrown businesses will open its doors. Rustbelt Reclamation has an amazing production facility with a great industrial feel. I’m excited to see guests explore the space. The food will also be fantastic. I’m excited to taste culinary creations from around the Rustbelt, nosh on small plates featuring fresh local ingredients, and finish things off with desserts made here in Cleveland. Finally, we’re tying the evening together with sounds from the Giving Tree Band. Most of the band’s instruments were handcrafted in an eco-friendly manner, made from naturally-fallen trees and reclaimed woods with non-toxic finishes.
CC: What do you hope people learn and takeaway from this year’s event?
Emily: With the event located in Cleveland this year, I hope that folks walk away from the event understanding that Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s work to provide the people of our region with essential natural assets is just as important in the city as it is in rural areas. The Land Conservancy envisions a region of thriving and prosperous communities made possible by cleaning and greening our cities, as well as conserving vibrant natural areas and working farms.
CC: Who should come out to EGEB?
Emily: Anyone interested in a great party and/or supporting conservation should plan on attending the EverGreen EverBlue event. Guests should expect an experiential evening celebrating conservation and our city. Dress is casual.
Tickets start at just $50. Funds raised will benefit the Land Conservancy and go toward their ongoing efforts. Complimentary valet parking is available for VIP and party guest ticket holders. Parking is also available in the lot and on the street for the late-night guests.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy