An Emerald Evening In
Honoring Mayor Martin J. Walsh
On October 14, 2020, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy hosted its signature biennial fundraiser, Emerald Evening, in celebration of the Conservancy’s advocacy and improvements in and for the Emerald Necklace. The universality of parks and their critical role in individual and collective health has never been more pronounced than this year, and we are proud to shine a spotlight on the 1,100 acres of Emerald Necklace greenspace that have been serving Boston and Brookline residents for over 100 years, and the organization that stewards and advocates for this park system.
This year’s Emerald Evening took place virtually – An Emerald Evening In. Guests were treated to a networking cocktail reception and an exciting program highlighting the work of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and the vital role parks play in our lives – as green infrastructure, vibrant public spaces and essential elements of healthy living. We recognized City of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh with the Olmsted Award of Excellence for his administration’s significant capital investments in the Emerald Necklace and invited participants to delve into park topics such as caring for an urban tree canopy, green infrastructure and spatial justice. The evening also featured a raffle, trivia questions, a special musical performance and a custom meal curated by local businesses Curds & Co. and The Urban Grape.
Proceeds from An Emerald Evening In support park restoration, activation and advocacy efforts for the Emerald Necklace so that it can continue to serve Bostonians for hundreds of years to come.
If you missed An Emerald Evening In, no problem! Experience the full event on YouTube.
The Olmsted Award of Excellence
The Olmsted Award of Excellence is awarded biennially to an individual or organization that demonstrates an unwavering determination to carry out Frederick Law Olmsted’s vision and commitment to urban parks. Prior recipients include long-time Conservancy volunteer and Olmsted Tree Society founder Janet Atkins (2018), Conservancy Board Chair Benjamin Taylor (2016), former Massachusetts Governor and Conservancy Life Trustee Michael Dukakis (2014) and parks advocate Sarah Freeman (2013).
Thank You to our Sponsors
Emerald Champion
Sherry and Alan Levanthal Family Foundation
Conservancy Leader
Geoffrey S. Caraboolad
Charter Contracting Company
Marjorie and Nicholas Greville
Benjamin and Kate Taylor
Park Steward
Sarah Freeman, Arborway Coalition
Reed Hildebrand
Sasaki
Stoss Landscape Urbanism
Park Friend
Amy Auerbach and Leo Swift
Brooke and Jeff Cook
James and Stephanie Cornell
First Republic Bank
Harvard Medical School
John Iappini and Carole Mathieson
Liberty Mutual Insurance
MASCO
Dr. Barbara Millen & Family
Red Sox Foundation
Marilyn Ray Smith
Anonymous
An Emerald Evening In
October 14, 2020
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
For more Party in the Park information, contact Sharon Rice.
Jared Bowen, GBH, welcomes guests live from the Curley House.
Pam Beale of the Charlesgate Alliance joins other park advocates to help present the Olmsted Award of Excellence to Mayor Walsh by sharing the impacts of some of his Administration’s historic investments.
Sarah Freeman, Arborway Coalition
Marie Fukuda, Fenway Civic Association
Rickie Thompson, Franklin Park Coalition
Gerry Wright, Friends of Jamaica Pond