Nature Consortium’s signature fundraiser only one week away
Rebecca Saldana and daughter, 2, at NatureC's Toddler Tree Planting event
Nature Consortium will host its annual brunch fundraiser on Sunday, April 1stat the Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle. The program will feature youth performances, a live band, film screening, and an awards ceremony recognizing key volunteers and community partners. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support Nature Consortium’s arts and environmental education programs in Seattle and King County.
As part of their mission to “connect people, arts, and nature,” Nature Consortium works with local volunteers to restore Seattle’s largest contiguous forest, the West Duwamish Greenbelt. Rebecca Saldana grew up near the greenbelt and spent many childhood summers playing in the woods. Since learning about Nature Consortium’s programs at last year’s brunch fundraiser, Saldana has since become a monthly donor.
“Being [at the event] and seeing young women of color taking such strong leadership roles in the stewardship of our parks and green spaces was what really inspired me to give,” she said in a recent interview. “I donate to Nature Consortium because it’s a way to connect my own desire to be creative, my desire for justice, and my desire for a better, cleaner place for myself and future generations.”
Donations over $250 will be matched by a Matching Fund made up of local donors and partners including Nucor Steel Seattle. Additional sponsors for the event include Forterra, earthbongo, Foss Maritime Company, and the West Seattle Blog.
“We’re a small organization with a wide reach,” says Nancy Whitlock, founder and Executive Director of Nature Consortium. “As we go into our 15thyear anniversary, it’s more important than ever that we continue on a path to sustainability.”
In addition to forest restoration, funds raised at the brunch will also support Nature Consortium’s after-school art program for youth in low-income communities in Seattle. Dagiem, a 17-year-old intern at NatureC’s Yesler Terrace site, grew up in Yesler Terrace.
“So I kinda grew up in the art program at the same time,” he says. “They taught me a lot about the environment and a lot about art. It made me look at the world in a different view than how I used to.”
Youth from the program’s hip hop dance and singing classes will perform original works during the brunch. Also on the bill is jazz/blues band Billy and the Bouncers.
Nature Consortium suggests a minimum $50 donation per person at the event, which includes the program, meal, and complimentary childcare. The event is expected to sell out – visit www.naturec.org to register.