How Grades of Green and Community Leaders Are Growing a Greener Future
On October 17th, Grades of Green held their annual Gala, Verte, to celebrate environmental advocacy, community support, and sustainability in Los Angeles. The remarkable night gathered a diverse group of supporters, sponsors, and advocates to highlight a sustainable future that students can enact within their communities. Through incredible support from donors, Grades of Green was able to raise over $460,000 to support student projects across the globe.
This year’s event honored two exceptional environmental leaders:
- Chris Dickerson from Players for the Planet received the coveted Mother Earth Award for his innovative work of combining sports and environmental activism. Through his platform, he encourages athletes, sports teams, and fans to unite together towards a healthier planet. His organization hopes to leverage the visibility of sports to inspire sustainable practices on a global scale. His dedication demonstrates how passion and influence can contribute meaningfully towards environmental action.
- Ryan Harris, founder of ECObyRy, was awarded the Environmental Innovator Award for his innovative approach towards sustainable surfboards. Through the use of repurposed materials, Harris has not only reduced waste in his industry, but has also set a new standard for environmental responsibility in surfboard manufacturing. His work embodies the kind of creative solutions that Grades of Green supports and champions in its own mission.
Event Highlights and Community Support
The evening was an incredible success of funding student programs thanks to the support of Grades of Green’s event sponsors including: LAcarGUY, the Corrales Group, the City of Manhattan Beach, the City of Hermosa Beach, Running Point Capital, Ateliere, TMT Insights, Image Solutions Gives Back, Bizhaus, Lazy Acres, and QVEST. These sponsors are essential to the positive environmental action students and teachers are taking across the globe. Their unwavering support is testament of their commitment to sustainability and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.
The celebration was further supported by vendor contributions of Morgen Hoffman Events, IE Designs, GP Arnade, Thank Goodness it’s Sofia, Brian Kramer Photography, Josh F Studio, Stage Labs, and Rossi Morreale, who all provided an immersive experience for attendees. Optimist Studios was transformed into a vibrant, eco-conscious setting filled with green-themed decor, silent auction items, and displays spotlighting Grades of Green’s mission to empower young environmental leaders.
Furthermore, the gala’s culinary offerings were generously donated by Beyond Meat, the Hidden Sea, Far Field Beer Company, Tito’s Vodka, and The New Bar. These contributions not only made the event more enjoyable, but also brought the community together to support Grades of Green’s mission.
Celebrating a Shared Purpose
Verte served as a powerful testament to Grades of Green’s mission to build a generation of environmentally conscious youth, while also honoring leaders who are pioneering solutions for a sustainable world. With inspiring speeches and videos highlighting Grades of Green’s work, the event was a full immersion into the organization’s impactful efforts and vision for the future.
Through the recognition of inspiring leaders like Chris Dickerson and Ryan Harris, and the generosity of sponsors, donors, vendors, and food/beverage partners, Verte demonstrated the strength of collaboration in facing today’s environmental challenges. The gala concluded with a renewed commitment to advocate for environmental responsibility, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to contribute towards a greener future.
