Press Release: Community Celebrates Rock Creek at Rock Creek Gala turned Picnic in the Park
News Release — Rock Creek Conservancy
(Bethesda, MD – October 7, 2020) – On Saturday, October 17, 2020, Rock Creek Conservancy will host the annual Rock Creek Gala, turned Picnic in the Park in 2020, at the storied performance venue of Carter Barron Amphitheater. The innovative socially-distant event celebrates Rock Creek, its parklands, and the people-powered restoration that the Conservancy leads throughout the year.
Throughout the pandemic the Conservancy has found creative ways of engaging the community to steward the Rock Creek watershed. This event includes featuring local restaurants and business partners who have generously supported the Conservancy’s work in the past and now face dire financial impacts from the pandemic. Gala Ambassador Ellen Kassoff Gray, the co-owner of Equinox Restaurant, has partnered with local restaurants to feature them in a virtual silent auction and give bidders a chance to cover the costs to the restaurants. Any additional proceeds will support the work of the Conservancy.
The auction also includes original art, and culinary and eco-friendly adventures, such as Cornell Lab of Ornithology birding classes, a mixology happy hour from the Founding Farmers Spirits Team, a wine class from Total Wine & More, and open climbs at EarthTreks gym.
As part of the event, the Conservancy will honor Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Representative Jamie Raskin. Both are champions of Rock Creek’s environment and provided leadership in the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, which will provide critical support for deferred maintenance for NPS, including projects like the Carter Barron Amphitheater.
Last year, nearly 300 people came together at the Embassy of New Zealand to support their favorite parks. This year, guests will have the option of gathering for a socially-distant event at Carter Barron or taking a Gala-to-Go, each including a gourmet picnic. Picnics for both options will be prepared by Catering by Seasons and styled by Sidra Forman, for guests to enjoy in the park or at home while tuning into the virtual program. Attendees at the Carter Barron will hear live music from singer-songwriter Ari Jacobson and the Crush Funk Brass band, enjoy park-themed family-friendly activities, and can sample a unique signature cocktail from The Cocktail Gurus.
Co-chairs David DeSantis of TTR Sotheby’s and Tanya Mayorkas led the gala planning efforts.
“Joining the Rock Creek Gala, whether you take your picnic in or out of the park, is a wonderful way to make a difference for this unparalleled urban oasis that so defines our city,” said Gala co-chair Tanya Mayorkas. “Rock Creek and all its parklands are central to the health of our community and by supporting Rock Creek Conservancy, you are directly supporting Rock Creek Park, Rock Creek’s water quality, and the future of this incredible natural treasure.”
All are invited to participate in the Gala. Tickets are available at www.rockcreekgala.com until October 13, 2020. All proceeds from the event will go to supporting that work and restoring Rock Creek and its parks.
What: Rock Creek Gala: Picnic in the Park
When: October 17, 2020, from 1 pm-6:00 pm
Where: on site at the Carter Barron Amphitheater, at home or in the park with a Gala to Go, and online
Who: Rock Creek Conservancy
Tickets: www.rockcreekgala.com
###
Rock Creek Conservancy is an awarding-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of Rock Creek and its 33-mile watershed as a natural oasis for the benefit and enjoyment of all people. As the only organization devoted solely to Rock Creek and its parks and as a philanthropic and stewardship partner of Rock Creek Park, the Conservancy engages communities and volunteers, enhances visitor experiences, and provides direct restoration to Rock Creek.
Contact
Tish King
Director of Operations and Communications
Rock Creek Conservancy
7200 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 500, Bethesda, MD 20814
Comments are closed.