FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2019
Contact: Annie Schuler
aschuler@naturebridge.org
415-992-4767
San Francisco, CA—More than 300 guests attended the annual “An Evening with NatureBridge” on May 9, 2019 at the Bently Reserve in support of NatureBridge, a nonprofit organization that provides environmental education programs in six national park locations. Speakers at the Gala included Sophia Danenberg, the first African American and first black woman to summit Mount Everest, and 2019 NatureBridge Student of the Year Kinzie Klein.
Held at one of San Francisco’s most historic and green buildings, the event brought people together to celebrate another year of cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards.
The evening gave guests an opportunity to learn more about NatureBridge during three breakout sessions on stories from the field, social emotional learning and fire ecology, as well as during keynote speeches. Sophia spoke on establishing pathways and opportunities for all kids so that they may experience and connect with the natural world to inspire monumental and positive change for the Earth and future generations. She then introduced Kinzie, who represents the powerful role youth play in building a sustainable future.
“I would like to encourage all of you to take the time to explore nature and all of its beauty as often as you can,” Student of the Year Kinzie Klein said to the crowd last evening. “And remember that no matter how hard something may seem, you should never give up.”
Each year, NatureBridge serves over 35,000 students and 700 schools across six national parks. Programs connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet.
The largest non-profit educational partner of the National Park Service, NatureBridge has provided life-changing experiences for more than one million students in the last five decades. Each year, NatureBridge awards $1.4 million in scholarship support to almost 50 percent of participating schools.
Thanks to the generosity of our guests, sponsors and friends, the gala and auction raised over $650,000. These funds will help us continue to provide students the transformative environmental science education experience in some of the United States’ most iconic national parks.
To learn more about NatureBridge, visit our website at naturebridge.org. You can also explore the event via social media with the hashtag #NatureBridgeGala and by viewing our photo album.
About NatureBridge
Founded in 1971, NatureBridge connects young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. As the largest residential education partner of the National Park Service, the organization serves more than 35,000 students each year and offers programs in national park locations in California, Washington state and Virginia.