Verte Gala 2024 was an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating environmental leadership, community support, and the power of youth-driven change. The event brought together passionate supporters, sponsors, students, and environmental advocates to champion the mission of Grades of Green and its work empowering the next generation of environmental leaders.

The evening honored two exceptional changemakers whose work reflects innovation and dedication to protecting the planet. Chris Dickerson, co-founder of Players for the Planet, received the Mother Earth Award for mobilizing professional athletes to champion sustainability through initiatives such as tree planting, e-waste collection, and environmental awareness campaigns across the sports world. The Environmental Innovator Award was presented to Ryan Harris, founder of ECObyRy, whose pioneering work in sustainable surfboard shaping and use of recycled materials continues to set new standards for environmentally responsible design in the surf industry.

Guests enjoyed a vibrant program that included a silent auction featuring more than 100 sought-after items, exciting live auction experiences, and thoughtfully curated food and beverage offerings, made possible through the generous support of sponsors, dedicated vendors, and culinary partners. Throughout the evening, inspiring stories and videos highlighted the real-world impact students are making through Grades of Green’s environmental initiatives, demonstrating how young leaders are driving meaningful change in their schools and communities.