Grades of Green’s 2014 VERTE event at MBS Media Campus in Manhattan Beach on June 6th was an overwhelming success, raising awareness and funds to expand the program that inspires and empowers students to care for the environment. VERTE, which means “green” in several languages, was created to recognize some of the environmental champions who have helped Grades of Green reach over 150,000 students.

This year the honorees were Suzy Amis Cameron, Jon Landau, and Earth Friendly Products. Suzy Amis Cameron is the founder of Red Carpet Green Dress, which highlights sustainable fashion, and is also the co-founder of the environmental education school MUSE School CA, whose mission is to inspire and prepare young people to live consciously with themselves, one another, and the planet. Jon Landau, producer of Avatar, is at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices at the studio, while producing the highest grossing films of all time –the environmental blockbusters, Avatar, and Titanic. And our Corporate Honoree, Earth Friendly Products, is a leader in non-toxic cleaning products, and a longtime supporter of Grades of Green kids working to rid their schools of toxins.

The evening was hosted by radio voice of the Lakers, John Ireland, with a guest appearance by Zoe Saldana, star of Avatar, who introduced Jon and Suzy. Verte took took place on the gorgeous New York City streetscape set at MBS Media Campus, which is a cutting edge eco-faciltiy complete with solar panels and waste diversion stations that, in partnership with Waste Management, helped make VERTE 2014 zero-waste! The local restaurant community rallied behind Grades of Green to donate 100% of the evening’s dining experience, including appetizers crafted by MB Post’s David LeFevre and The Ripe Choice, dinner from the Chefs at The Strand House, Zinc at Shade, Palmilla Tequila and Cocina, and Fresh Brothers; and dessert from Bristol Farms (Santa Monica) and Susie Cakes.

VERTE would not have been complete without live music featuring The Fire Department, The Young Musicians Performance Academy, and Youth Corps student Jane Fishman and fellow musician Noah Viklund; unique silent auction items; eco-cocktails from Patron and Lemonade, Frei Brothers Reserve and Lucky Buddha, a photo booth, our selfie/pledging station, and our famous swag bar.

To see the full list of VERTE’s sponsors, go here.

To check out and/or purchase photos from the event taken by Steve Gaffney, go here.

To read more about VERTE see these articles: