The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (LCV) raised a record amount and came together for the evening of Oct. 22, at the Imperia, in Somerset. A dynamic mix of over 150 conservation leaders – elected officials, green partners and environmental voters from across the state celebrated New Jersey’s strong bipartisan tradition of protecting our water, air and open spaces.
“New Jersey LCV’s fifth annual green tie gala was a night to remember,” said Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “It is a special occasion to bring together New Jersey’s environmental champions and celebrate the incredible work we are all doing and the major successes that we’ve achieved.”
The Honorable Gurbir Grewal received the Founders Award and spoke about major victories New Jersey has won for the environment throughout his term.
“The stakes have never been higher for protecting our planet and I am proud of the work that New Jersey is doing to stand up for the environment and to safeguard the health of our communities,” said the Honorable Gurbir S. Grewal.
Democratic senator Linda Greenstein and republican senator Chris Brown received the Green Emerald Award in appreciation of their outstanding devotion to protect New Jersey’s precious air, water and open space.
Greenstein said during her remarks, “I’m honored to receive the Emerald Award and I thank New Jersey LCV for its leadership and partnership. I look forward to continuing to work with New Jersey LCV to ensure we protect New Jersey’s incredible natural resources.”
Brown said, “Even more important than the economic reliance our area has on ensuring a clean ocean and clean beach, I believe our generation has a moral and ethical imperative to preserve the environment for our children and grandchildren so they can safely enjoy the beautiful landscapes as we do today.”
New Jersey LCV could not do its work without its volunteers. LCV presented the Change Maker Award to those volunteers who have made a significant impact in our community including; Linda Powell, Barbara Cuthbert, Carol Kuehn, Kirk Frost, Bernadette Maher – all of Franklin Township, Paul Patterson of Medford Township, Brian Lestini of Moorestown, and David Steinberg of Runnemede.
Gala attendees listened to live music from the Jimmy Merchant Quartet and participated in a silent auction highlighting some local businesses in the area, such as a drone scenic photography session, a week at a Nantucket home and tickets to New Jersey’s local theaters like the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, Two River Theater and the NJPAC.
New Jersey League of Conservation Voters is a non-partisan organization whose mission is to elect environmental champions, hold public officials accountable, and support laws which protect our environment and improve the quality of people’s lives.
