Atlanta (May 2, 2016) – South Fork Conservancy, a nonprofit group building and connecting trails along Peachtree Creek, has hit a milestone. Its annual “Creek Rising” fund-raiser, held at Zonolite Park in DeKalb County on April 28, raised more than $30,000. That’s twice as much as in the previous year. Atlanta broadcasting icon Monica Kaufman Pearson and her husband, former South Fork board member John Pearson, were the celebrity hosts. Refreshments included South Fork’s signature “Bogwater” cocktails. Activities included a demonstration of water quality testing, as well as tours of the wetland gardens, Peachtree Creek and its sandy banks.
“The vision of children playing in what was once a brownfield while groups of conscientious citizens planned further improvements along South Fork was truly inspiring and I can't wait to see what we do next,” said South Fork’s Executive Director Kimberly Estep. “Special thanks to Creek Rising Committee Chairs Martha Porter Hall and Van Hall, who made sure everything was perfect for our big night,” Estep said.
Organizations and individuals supporting the event, and their level of sponsorship include:
Title Sponsor: The FloatAway Zonolite Community
Bridge Builders: Cox Conserves; Kaiser Permanente; McCarty Property Group; Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP; and UPS
Confluencers: AMLI Piedmont Heights, CM2H, Perkins+Will, Sylvatica Studio and Hammersmith, Inc.
Creek Risers: Catalyst Development Partners, The Integral Group
Host Committee: Rutledge Forney, M.D.; Bob Kerr; George Ickes; Tony and Leisa Powers; and Sally Sears
Event Committee: Martha Porter Hall and Van Hall (co-chairs) and members Sally Bethea, Debra A. Edelson, David Eldridge, Ivy Claire Eldridge, Celia Lismore, Larry Smith, Rich Sussman, Terri Thornton and Barbara Tucker
Board Members, in addition to those named above: David Eldridge, Billy Hall, Liza Littrell, Chris Nelson and Ruthie Taylor Norton
In-Kind Donors: Black Sheep Ensemble, Murphy’s, Neighbors and Rocky’s
Many of those involved served in more than one capacity. We also thank our many volunteers!
About South Fork Conservancy
South Fork Conservancy is actively developing walking trails along Atlanta’s Peachtree Creek. Designated as an Urban Wildlife Refuge by The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the nonprofit organization is named for the South Fork of Peachtree Creek, where many of the trails are located. Its goal is to conserve the urban waterway, connect existing and future trails, and restore the area’s natural beauty. The trail system will eventually connect Buckhead, Atlanta’s upscale business and residential center, with the Emory University campus and beyond. Active trails include The Confluence, Cheshire Farm and Meadow Loop trails in Buckhead, and Zonolite Park in DeKalb County. For more information, visit www.SouthForkConservancy.org.