ecoBenefête 2011

More than 200 people attended the Georgia Conservancy’s annual gala, ecoBenefête, on Thursday, October 13, at the beautiful Foundry at Puritan Mill. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Distinguished Conservationist award to The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Blank family. Arthur Blank accepted the award and spoke of his family’s and the Foundation’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

For example, the LEED-Gold office of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation was one of the first buildings to receive this exemplary energy and water efficiency designation in the Southeast when it was constructed over a decade ago. Inscribed on a wall in the foundation’s office is a Kenyan proverb that Blank is fond of, and which echoes their approach to conservation and stewardship: Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents; it is lent to you by your children.

Former Lieutenant Governor and current Conservancy President Pierre Howard also gave a rousing speech and implored Georgians to put aside their political differences to work together to protect Georgia’s land and natural resources for future generations. He also pointed out that, in poll after poll, it is clear that a strong majority of Georgians are willing to dedicate more tax dollars to land conservation and the protection of clean water.

The Georgia Conservancy is very appreciative of the hundreds of supporters who attended the 2011 ecoBenefête, those who supported the event but could not attend, and the generous sponsors who helped make this year’s ecoBenefête a success. We hope to see all of you again next year.

Click here to read an article from our Fall 2011 edition of Panorama magazine about the Blanks and their accomplishments.

Click here to view photos of ecoBenefête. Don't forget to "Like" our page on Facebook!