Honoring MLB Player Chris Dickerson and Surf Industry Innovator Ryan Harris
LOS ANGELES, CA Prepare for an evening of inspiration and impact at the 15th Annual Verte Gala, hosted by Grades of Green–a forward thinking El Segundo-based nonprofit committed to nurturing young environmental leaders worldwide. On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Optimist Studios will transform into an oasis of sustainability and celebration as Grades of Green honors two remarkable figures for their transformative contributions to environmental stewardship.
The prestigious Mother Earth Award will be presented to Chris Dickerson, a former Major League Baseball player and the visionary Co-Founder of Players for the Planet. Chris has rallied over 200 professional athletes to champion sustainability, using their influence to drive meaningful environmental action. From tree planting and e-waste collection to organizing MLB teams for green initiatives, Chris’s leadership is catalyzing a major shift in how the sports world embraces environmental responsibility.
In addition, the Environmental Innovator Award will be presented to Ryan Harris, founder of ECObyRy and a leader in eco-conscious surfboard shaping. Ryan’s journey from pioneering sustainable surfboard building at Earth Technologies to developing ECObyRy underscores his commitment to reducing environmental issues. His innovative use of recycled materials and his dedication to sustainability education, including the launch of ECOSS (the Educational Center of Sustainability in Surfing), make him a standout leader in environmental innovation.
Mother Earth Award: Chris Dickerson
Environmental Innovator Award: Ryan Harris
Verte 2024 is set to be an unforgettable night of high impact and high spirits, attracting nearly 350 distinguished guests, celebrities, and change-makers. Sponsored by leading names like LAcarGUY, The Corrales Group, Ateliere, Running Point Capital, TMT Insights, City of Hermosa Beach, City of Manhattan Beach, and QVEST, this sustainable gala will feature a silent auction with over 100 coveted items, gourmet sustainable cuisine, and signature cocktails/mocktails. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on extraordinary vacation experiences and global adventures during a live auction.
The evening promises to be a powerful reminder of the profound impact Grades of Green’s programs have on students and communities worldwide. As business leaders and students from across Southern California come together, they will celebrate the significant strides made in environmental advocacy and the vital need to sustain and expand these efforts.
Tickets for Verte 2024 are available now at https://verte2024.givesmart.com/. Join us for a night of celebration, inspiration, and transformation towards a cleaner, greener planet.
