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Our 2012 Annual Luncheon fundraiser in San Francisco last month was a joyful, high-impact community gathering.
Seeking to expand the reach of our biggest event, this year we tried something new: taking the Luncheon on the road to New York City. We were blown away by the response from Pacha People across the Northeast and special guest Van Jones.
An Enthusiastic Reception from the Northeast
Nearly 200 people from Pacha communities in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New England joined us on December 6th, filling the gracious room overlooking Central Park to capacity.
Belén Paez of Fundación Pachamama and indigenous leader Manari Ushigua took the stage fresh from the UN climate conference in Qatar, and added their voices to those of co-founders Lynne and Bill Twist and Director of Programs Ben Schick, who laid out some key points of our 2013 vision.
Van Jones Emphasizes "Not Charity – Solidarity"
Featured guest speaker and former Pachamama Alliance board member Van Jones shared some inspiring remarks that brought a powerful perspective to the event.
Van emphasized that when people invest their financial resources into the work of The Pachamama Alliance, it is not an act of charity, but an act of solidarity – with indigenous people, the planet, and everyone worldwide who is working for a just, sustainable, fulfilling future.
Where to Next?
This inaugural New York Luncheon far exceeded expectations and demonstrated the power this event has to engage new friends and longtime allies as conscious investors in a new dream for the human family. Plans are already in the works for a 2013 event.
The question now is – where else could the Annual Luncheon help build a critical mass of people standing with the Amazon's indigenous people for a just, sustainable, and fulfilling future?
