Annual Portage County Environmental Conservation Benefit Dinner
Planning is underway for the Annual Portage County Environmental Conservation Awards Benefit Dinner to be held April 12 in Kent. This year marks its 10th anniversary of continuing the tradition of supporting local environmental causes.
Established 10 years ago by a coalition of environmental groups within Portage County, the yearly benefit has raised over $100,000 to support a variety of environmental projects within the county. The group’s first project focused on raising funds to extend the trail from Towner’s Woods to Ravenna. This was accomplished with the support of many environmental groups, including Portage County Environmental Roundtable, Kent Environmental Council and the Portage Park District. Subsequent projects have included funding the building of a blind for viewing wildlife and renovations of the carriage house for educational purposes at Audubon’s Novak Sanctuary in Aurora/Mantua. The development of hike and bike trails within Portage County has been supported with dinner proceeds, as well as a number of conservation projects with the cooperation of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. At the event each year, certain individuals and/or groups are recognized for their contributions and efforts in helping to conserve the county’s natural heritage.
This year’s dinner proceeds will be dedicated to funding development of broad-based support for the Portage Park District. In addition to the dinner, the event will again feature appetizers made from local products, a silent auction and entertainment.
For more information about this year’s dinner, to purchase tickets or donate items for the silent auction, contact Karen Cross at 330-626-2162.