Tag: CREW concert and silent eco-auction

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CREW Trust Thanks Our Concert Sponsors

Your contributions have already helped to get the ball rolling on our newest programs developing at the Flint Pen Strand Trails. Environmental education for all ages is always a priority for the CREW Trust and I think you’ll agree that together we’ve made a huge impact in our community, one that continues to grow each year with your help.

Thank you for supporting  environmental education! We’re happy to have seen so many friendly faces at our CREW Concert this year. We really cherish our annual “friend-raiser” because it’s such a great place to get to talk with you, our sponsors. We sincerely hope you all had a fabulous time and hope to see you on our trails soon!

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CREW Concert: Know Before You Go

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Just a Few Days Until the CREW Concert!

Got your tickets? Shined your dancing shoes? Made a date with your significant other or family for this special occasion? Great! We look forward to seeing everyone at Riverside Park! 

Before you go, here’s a review of event details to help you plan a terrific night out.

1. Concert details

Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs

Date and time: Saturday February 29, 2020, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Schedule of concert events:

5:00 p.m.  Gates open

5:30 p.m. Silent Eco-Auction opens

5:30 p.m. Welcome by CREW Trust Team

5:40 p.m. High Voltage Band hits the stage

8:15 p.m. Silent Eco-Auction closes

8:30-9:15 p.m. Pick up and pay for Silent Auction items

9:00 p.m. Concert ends

2. Tickets

Buy them at CREWtrust.org in advance and save $5 over the price at the door. Adults pay $15 online or $20 at the door. Children under 12 enter free.  

Insider tip: Until noon on the day of the concert, tickets are $15 online-only.

3. Food and drink

Sandwiches, salads, barbecue and cupcakes will be available from Haney’s Cafe and Cherie’s Sweet Treats & The Lunch Box. The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs will again sell wine and beer and feature a specialty craft beer from Momentum Brewhouse. For more information about our vendors read through the Food Blog here. 

4. General suggestions

Please bring: Chairs or blankets to sit on; the kids (remember, no charge for kids under 12); and cash and/or credit cards to buy food and drink.

Please don’t bring: outside food and drink; or animals. 

5. Silent Eco-Auction

Preview the many unique and exciting items and experiences available at our Silent Eco-Auction here. Or you can walk through the Auction space during the concert and see what inspires you. 

To bid on an item or an adventure, write your name, phone number and the amount of your bid on the bid sheets. If you absolutely, positively want to own a particular piece of artwork or take home tickets to a unique outdoor adventure, enter the “Buy It Now” price. Bidding is closed at 8:15 p.m. Winners will be announced on a large sign near the Silent Auction area. Items must be paid for and picked up between 8:30 and 9:15 p.m.

6. Parking

Parking at the concert is free. Volunteers in bright blue t-shirts will direct you to available parking spaces. A limited number of handicap parking spaces will be available.    

7. VIP Cafe

Sponsors of the concert are given admission to the VIP Cafe as one way of thanking them for their generous support. The VIP Cafe is sold out, so it will not be possible to purchase seats on the night of the concert. If you’re interested in sponsoring the 2021 concert, please contact Brenda (brenda@CREWtrust.org).     

8. Proceeds

The annual “CREW Concert & Silent Eco-Auction” is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the CREW Land & Water Trust, which provides environmental education for all ages. The CREW Project is a 60,000-acre watershed spanning Lee and Collier counties which provides clean water for area residents and visitors, habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities. The money we earn with our annual concert helps us to provide environmental education to all ages. 

Thank you and let’s rock!

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The CREW Concert Sponsor

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Support Environmental Education

DEADLINE to become a CREW Concert Sponsor: February 17th

Would you like to contribute to a very worthy local cause? Maybe highlight your company’s name? Or show your personal commitment to educating students in our local environment? 

The worthy local cause you’re looking for is the CREW Land & Water Trust, a non-profit organization that provides environmental education and public outreach for the CREW Project, the 60,000-acre watershed that collects and stores our water, offers wildlife habitat, and provides spectacular recreational opportunities. 

You know what “non-profit” means – it means we need the support of local organizations and people to help us with fundraising. Please consider becoming a sponsor for our most important fundraiser of the year, the 13th annual CREW Concert Under the Stars. It’s coming up soon — February 29, 2020 at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.  

Proceeds from this year’s Concert will support our efforts to continue developing trails and education programs at our newest trail system, Flint Pen Strand off of Bonita Beach Road. To see your sponsorship money at work, please attend one of our free weekly guided walks (Thursdays through April) to experience the varied and rich environment of this big piece of the CREW Project. It’s a bird watcher’s paradise. We even have a bald eagle who makes regular appearances.  

Many of our sponsors have been supporting this event for years (thank you!) but we always need more sponsors. If you have an environmentally-focused business, this is the perfect chance to showcase your company’s work. Our annual concert is always well attended, offering great dance music and a Silent Eco-Auction featuring unique nature-themed arts and special southwest Florida experiences. 

Sponsors enjoy special perks, including tickets to the VIP Cafe – a reserved area of tables with great food. The VIP Cafe is located near the stage to allow you to enjoy the music of the High Voltage Band.

Here are the perks that come with each level of sponsorship:

$10,000 – Event Naming Sponsor

Top billing on all advertising, social media, website, event program cover and t-shirts, plus a banner on stage. Name announced during  the concert. Seating for 12 guests in the VIP Cafe.

$5,000 – VIP Cafe sponsor

Name on VIP Cafe banner, website, social media, event program and t-shirts. Seating for 10 guests in the VIP Cafe.

$2,500 – Silent Eco-Auction Sponsor

Name on Eco-Auction banner, website, social media, event program and t-shirts. Seating for 8 guests in the VIP Cafe.    

$1,000 – 1K Sponsor

Name on website, social media, event program and t-shirts. Seating for 6 guests in the VIP Cafe.  

$500 – Sponsor

Name on website, social media, event program and t-shirts. Seating for 4 guests in the VIP Cafe.

Enjoy the concert as a sponsor and a VIP! Feel good while you’re doing good. Download a 2020 CREW Concert Sponsor Flyer (CREWtrust.org) or email brenda@CREWtrust.org for more information on becoming a sponsor. 

Sponsor Program Concert 2020Download
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CREW Concert Tickets

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Where does my money go?

As a CREW Trust member, you know how much the CREW Land & Water Trust relies on your membership dues and your donations to continue our  work of environmental education, introducing people to our vital 60,000-acre watershed. Because of your generosity, we can continue to offer guided hikes on our trail systems to local elementary schools, FGCU, Ave Maria University, and other special groups. Our “Nature’s Peace” walks are for those with Alzheimer’s and also those with visual impairments so that they may also enjoy the serenity that nature has to offer along our CREW trails.  

On February 29, 2020 (yes, it’s a Leap Year) we will be celebrating our 13th annual “Concert & Silent Eco-Auction” at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.  Tickets and more information are now available on our website (CREWtrust.org) for $15; children 12 and under are free to attend. If you wait to buy tickets at the door, the cost will be $20 per person. Sign up early and save $5 per ticket! 

Don’t forget to bring a chair, but leave coolers and pets at home. Food and drink vendors will be available throughout the evening.

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SAVE THE DATE: CREW Concert & Silent Eco Auction

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Buy Concert Tickets now!

CREW Land & Water Trust will host the 2020 CREW Concert Under the Stars on Saturday, February 29 from 5-9 p.m. at Riverside Park, located at 10450 Reynolds St. in Bonita Springs.

This year’s concert will raise money for our environmental education programs led at the CREW trails. These programs include field trips for all ages from area schools, classes from Florida Gulf Coast University and Nature’s Peace, a program that provides guided walks for people with Alzheimer’s disease and also visually impaired guests. Funds raised at this year’s concert will also go towards developing programs at Flint Pen Strand, the fourth CREW trail system that opened late last year.

The Silent Eco-Auction is a highlight of the fundraiser, offering attendees the opportunity to bid on a variety of nature-based items and experiences. “With over three-dozen eco-items to choose from, there is something for everyone,” noted Barbara Centola, Committee Chair for the CREW Trust Silent Eco-Auction. “People look forward to bidding so much we have to hold onto the bid sheets until the official start time.”

This year we have many new items in addition to old favorites. For the sportsperson, we have two fishing kayaks and a handcrafted fishing rod. For the art enthusiast, we have nature photography by News Press photographer Andrew West and an original oil painting by Ehren Fritz Gerhard titled “Summertime Swamp Walk”. If you’re looking for an experience, bid on the wildflower walk led by Brenda Thomas or the Eco Cruise with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

High Voltage Band returns for this year’s concert, playing everything from Motown’s greatest hits to today’s Top 40 songs. High Voltage Band has played for the NFL Players Association, Panasonic, The Boston Red Sox, Toyota, The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Foundation, Hope for Haiti and more.

The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs will sell wine and beer including craft beer from Momentum Brewhouse. Owner Brian Hahn is working to craft a unique brew in honor of CREW that will be served at the concert. Food vendors Haney’s, Cherie’s Sweet Treats and The Lunch Box will also be on-site.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit and enjoy the concert; dogs and outside food and drink will not be permitted.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and include access to the VIP café. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate; children 12 and under are free.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit crewtrust.org.

For more information about the concert, silent eco-auction or to schedule interviews, please contact Allison Vincent at allison@crewtrust.org.

About CREW Land & Water Trust

The CREW Land & Water Trust is a private, nonprofit conservation organization whose mission is to preserve and protect the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW), a 60,000 acre watershed located in Southwest Florida and critical to maintaining the local water supply. The watershed stores and filters water which enhances our local water supply, reduces the risk of flooding in surrounding areas and provides essential wildlife habitat for many species of plants and animals. The CREW Land & Water Trust was founded in 1989 and helps to purchase land, assist with land management and provides quality environmental education programs for all ages. For more information, visit crewtrust.org.

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CREW Trust to host annual concert on Feb. 16 at Riverside Park

CREW Land & Water Trust will host the 2019 CREW Concert Under the Stars on Saturday, February 16 from 5-9 p.m. at Riverside Park, located at 10451 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.

This year’s concert will raise funds for the Dr. David R. Cooper Education Fund, named for the CREW Trust’s longest-serving volunteer, Dr. David Cooper, who passed away in May 2018. Many of the CREW Trust’s members, staff and volunteers spent time on the CREW Marsh Trails with Dr. Cooper, who was a self-taught volunteer naturalist.

“Dr. David was instrumental in introducing CREW to so many people and educating them on the value of this important watershed,” explained Brenda Brooks, Executive Director for CREW Land & Water Trust. “The education fund was established in 2014 and renamed in January 2018 to honor Dr. David and continue his passion for education. His legacy lives on through this fund, which provides support for our expanding education programs and provides resources used to teach students of all ages about the importance of preserving the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed.”

A truly unique artistic collaboration is the centerpiece of this year’s silent eco-auction. Lucas Century of Lucas Century Glass is working with CREW Trust member Dick Anderson to create a coffee table with a driftwood base topped with beveled glass sandblasted with images of swallow-tailed kites.

“Swallow-tailed kites have been a part of our logo for years,” noted Brooks. “These graceful birds return to Southwest Florida every year and many nest within the CREW Project. This is the first time we have worked with Lucas Century Glass and we are excited to see one of our favorite birds captured in this unique piece of art.” Other auction items include handcrafted bird boxes, private hikes and tours, sunset and shelling cruises and one-of-a-kind works of art.

The High Voltage Band is the featured performer at this year’s concert

High Voltage Band returns for this year’s concert, playing everything from Motown’s greatest hits to today’s Top 40 songs. High Voltage Band has played for the NFL Players Association, Panasonic, The Boston Red Sox, Toyota, The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Foundation, Hope for Haiti and more.

The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs will sell wine and a selection of craft beer from Momentum Brewhouse. Owner Brian Hahn is working to craft a unique brew in honor of CREW that will be served at the concert. Food vendors will also be on-site, including Cherie’s Sweet Treats.

Cupcakes from Cherie’s Sweet Treats

 

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit and enjoy the concert; dogs and outside food and drink will not be permitted.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and include access to the VIP café. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate; children 12 and under are free.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit crewtrust.org.

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Become a sponsor of our 2019 CREW Concert Under the Stars!

Brenda Brooks, executive director of CREW Land & Water Trust, with Kim Ruiz, CREW Trust Board of Trustees member and presenting sponsor of the 2018 CREW Concert.

Our concert is our biggest fundraiser each year and this year we hope is no exception. Proceeds help fund the CREW Trust’s environmental education programs but this year we’re changing things up a bit and all proceeds will go towards the Dr. David R. Cooper Education Fund.

Most of our sponsors have been supporting this event for years and we couldn’t have such a successful event without their support.

Sponsors enjoy special perks, including tickets to the VIP Cafe at the concert. This special area, exclusively for VIP ticket holders and their guests, offers table seating close to the stage at Riverside Park and a fully catered meal from Niko’s Kitchen.

For most of our sponsors, though, sponsoring this event is about so much more than great food and the atmosphere of the VIP Cafe.

“I originally sponsored the CREW concert to give back to the place where I first learned Southwest Florida wildflowers,” explained Kim Ruiz, CREW Trust member, Trustee, volunteer and member of the concert committee. In 2018, Kim’s company, EcoPlanz Inc, was the presenting sponsor for the CREW Concert. “I continue sponsoring to support the expanding educational programs so people of all ages can be immersed in the wonders of water, land, and wildlife.”

Brian Farrar, Vice-Chairman of the CREW Trust Board of Trustees, President of BCF Management Group, CREW Trust member and concert committee member, has also been a sponsor for many years. “Being a CREW Concert sponsor has afforded my wife and I the opportunity to give back to our Southwest Florida community in what we believe is one of the most important ways: educating our future leaders on the importance of water resources and environmental preservation. If we don’t explain this need and delicate balance, our wonderful way of life will be gone before we know it.”

If you are looking for a way to support the concert and help us build the Dr. David R. Cooper Education Fund, please consider becoming a concert sponsor and enjoy the event as a VIP! Download a 2019 CREW Concert Sponsor Flyer or email brenda@crewtrust.org for more information on becoming a sponsor.

 

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Save the Date! 2018 CREW Concert & Silent Eco-Auction is February 24th

 

This coming February, the CREW Trust is hosting their 11th annual Concert & Silent Eco-Auction! Join us on Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 5-9 p.m. at Riverside Park, located at 10451 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.

Don’t miss out on a chance to have a great time while making a difference in our community!

Tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 at the gate. Guests should bring lawn chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy the concert; dogs and outside food and drink will not be permitted.

This year’s performance will be provided by The High Voltage Band. They will be playing a mix of Motown music and today’s hit songs.

The High Voltage Band has performed for The NFL Players Association, Panasonic, the Boston Red Sox, Toyota, Allstate, and many others!

Last year’s annual concert and auction raised over $30,000. This went to numerous amounts of environmental education programs including field trips for thirds graders, classes for FGCU students and the Nature’s Peace programs, among many others.

The Silent Eco-Auction items this year will include a swamp hike, swamp buggy tour, selection of gourmet cheeses and fine wines from Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm in North Fort Myers, private birthday party hike with gourmet cupcakes at the CREW Marsh Trails, artwork from local artists and antique botany books.

We hope you’ll join us and CONNECT with CREW! See you there!

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

Guest post by Ava Van Buskirk, CREW Trust volunteer intern

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2017 Silent Eco-Auction Preview: Adventure Time!

We’re counting down to our concert and are very excited to share our 2017 Silent Eco-Auction items!

Each year our silent auction grows, but it never loses it’s eco-focus. This year, we have fifteen exclusive adventures for you to bid on, each more unique than the next. Take a look at six of this year’s auction lots, and see the rest Saturday when the auction opens at 5:15 p.m. at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.

Auction Lot #40: Fakahatchee Swamp Hike

Ready for a wet walk? You’ll head to Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve Park with three friends and enjoy a four hour guided walk with a naturalist. While wading through the swamp, you’ll learn about the animals and plants that call the preserve home, including bromeliads and orchids. Value: $400; Starting Bid: $100.

Auction Lot #14: Buggy Ride for 10 at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

CREW Trustee Ed Carlson will take you and 9 friends on an exclusive tour of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in your very own swamp buggy. You’ll learn about the history of the sanctuary along with swamp ecology and the importance of conservation in Southwest Florida. Value: $1500; Starting Bid: $150.

Auction Lot #10: Exclusive Bird Rookery Swamp Bike Tour

This private bike tour will be led by local cyclist and naturalist Peter Davis. You’ll experience the most remote parts of Bird Rookery Swamp as you complete the entire 12 mile loop. You and 9 friends will see alligators, wading birds, otters and more on this 3-4 hour ride. Each participant must BYOB (bring your own bike), helmet, water and supplies; bikes must be suitable for grassy terrain. Value: $500; Starting Bid $100.

Auction Lot #38: Fossil Trip for Two

Join Fossil Expeditions (as seen on the Travel Channel) for a guided fossil trip for two at one of their many sites. You’ll get to dig in and get dirty as you search for mammal, shark and reptile fossils, all covered under a group permit from the Vertebrate Paleontology Department at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainseville. Value: $150; Starting Bid: $60

Auction Lot #15: Tour of FGCU Food Forest

This is the perfect lot for curious foodies! You and three guests will enjoy a three hour private tour of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Food Forest, a student-run botanical garden on FGCU’s campus. You’ll see and learn about growing your own food and what edibles grow well in our sub-tropic climate. At the conclusion of the tour, the winning bidder will take home a basket of food from the food forest. Value: $150; Starting Bid: $20

Auction Lot #45: Brew for a Day at Momentum Brewhouse

CREW is all about preserving water, and water is the main ingredient in BEER! The winner of this lot will work with owner Brian Hahn and his brewers to create a 1/3 barrel of craft beer. You will be involved in every step of the process and receive a Momentum Brewhouse gift pack and lunch at the brewery. Once the batch is ready to serve, you’ll be invited back to for a VIP tasting for you and three friends. Value: $150; Starting Bid: $70.

Want to see more? Get your tickets now for our 2017 CREW Concert & Silent Eco-Auction on Feb. 18 from 5-9 p.m. at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.