8/15/2024: The Most Important Party of the Year

On Saturday, Sept. 28,  the Preserve will be hosting Rooted in Our Future, its annual signature fundraiser. Now in its 4th year, this event is equal parts a community celebration and a crucial lifeline to support the Preserve’s general operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the cancellation of the Preserve’s former Wildflower Gala in 2020, and through that challenging time emerged a new event concept to lead the Preserve into its next exciting phase of growth.

“Rooted in Our Future was named with inspiration from our dedicated Preserve community,” says Peter Couchman, executive director. “Our supporters are the roots of our mission and we need their generosity and energy to create a bright, sustaining future. That’s what makes it, quite literally, the most important party of the year for the Preserve.”

Rooted in Our Future event offerings are plentiful:

• A beautiful cocktail reception with heavy small plates menu catered by the creative and talented Max Hansen Caterer.
• Ample seating that forgoes assigned seats to encourage a casual and communal dining experience where friends can sit with friends and meet new ones as well.
• An open bar featuring chairman select wines, beer and a signature native botanical cocktail with a recipe designed exclusively for the Preserve by Bluestem Botanicals.
• Design elements pulling inspiration from the natural beauty of the Preserve—replacing traditional fresh cut flowers for native lush mosses, meadow brush and woody trees.
• Lively music with a community connection featuring Class Act, a 7-piece band composed of area teachers and educators who bring their vocal and performance superpowers to the stage.

“The personal touches that come from our warm and welcoming staff and volunteers are what truly sets this Preserve fundraiser apart,” says Couchman.

“We are hosting a party with a purpose,” says Sarah Norris, director of donor and partner relations and the event’s producer.  “We are in a trying time for giving, as donors are significantly impacted by the economy and inflation. While we build a beautiful event for our guests to enjoy, everyone who attends Rooted in Our Future knows that the greatest celebration of the night are the funds raised to support the Preserve.”

The event raises a large core of its funds through its signature “raise your paddle”, which takes place later in the evening. Pete Couchman and a surprise guest emcee will lead a lively auction-style program where attendees come together to raise as much money as possible in one evening to support the Preserve's general operations. “It takes $1.3 million a year to maintain the Preserve for our members and visitors, and there is no more inspiring vision than the sea of guests around the room at Rooted in Our Future with their paddles raised ready to help us get there,” says Norris.

Rooted in Our Future also features a silent auction with local luxury items and priceless experiences, including an opportunity to take home an actual piece of the Preserve: Travis Pidcock hand-crafted furniture made from our felled trees.

“Consider this your personal invitation to join us!” says Couchman. “We invite anyone in our Preserve community who would like to fundraise with us and have some fun while doing so.”

Event tickets are available now and are first come, first served. The event welcomes 200 guests and tickets are expected to sell out.

Event sponsorships are also available now—perfect for local businesses and individual households—and all levels include complimentary event tickets.

“Rooted in Our Future has become an event and fundraising model that we proudly promote. Our overhead expenses are low, our guest experience is exceptionally high, and we have a record-breaking fundraising goal ahead of us that we know is possible with the support from this incredible community. Let’s raise our paddles to the Preserve’s bright future!” says Norris.

We’ll see you on September 28!