0263-GCG-FoothillsConservancy ESG23 12-13 - Flipbook - Page 30
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
Friends, Fellowship,
and Fun(draising)
Flavors of the Foothills and Sweet Lucy’s Affair
join a community-centered conservation
movement that directly impacts the quality
of life for present and future generations.”
September ushered in the 11th annual Sweet Lucy’s
Affair, which has become our most successful
Our signature celebration and fundraising dinner,
fundraiser to date. The event’s Leadership Circle,
Flavors of the Foothills, presented this year by the
composed of participants who make special
Chip and Debi Hills Foundation, was a sold-out event
contributions to support Foothills Conservancy’s
at Fonta Flora Brewery’s Whippoorwill Farm, with 250
conservation work, is the force behind this casually
spirited FCNC supporters in attendance. The event was
elegant event – a dedicated group that plans,
unique in its feature of 13 chefs from across our region,
organizes and executes the entire evening.
organized by Chef Daniel Wheeler, who prepared
signature, small-portion dishes for the enjoyment of
our guests!
“This event is a fantastic display of the
intersection between agriculture and
community. It’s important that, as chefs
and culinary professionals, we are aware
of where our food comes from and are
accountable for the environmental impact,”
said Chef Daniel Wheeler, Executive Chef
for Flavors of the Foothills. “We’re proud
to support Foothills Conservancy, who
is helping promote sustainable farming
techniques and farmland preservation – so
this is a real win-win.”
“Flavors of the Foothills is as much of a
‘friendraiser’ as it is a fundraiser for our land
trust,” said Andrew Kota, FCNC Executive
Director. “The event generates critical
funds to support Foothills Conservancy
of NC’s mission to conserve the unique
character of irreplaceable landscapes in
our Western NC region, and also provides
a welcoming platform for supporters to
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Sweet Lucy’s raises awareness for Foothills
Conservancy and the 12,000+ acres of land at
Lake James that our land trust has been a key
partner in protecting, most of which is available
for public enjoyment.
The event and its success would not have been
possible without the leadership of Ann Costello, who
orchestrates the team of volunteers and generous
Leadership Circle hosts. Ann has been instrumental
in making the event a cornerstone of our annual
fundraising. To date, Sweet Lucy’s Affair has raised
over $650,000 for Foothills Conservancy since 2012,
helping us protect over 12,000 acres in the Lake James
area, and tens of thousands of acres in our eightcounty service area.
These two events highlight so much that our region
has to offer from delicious food to beautiful venues,
while raising money for an organization that is
working tirelessly to protect its natural spaces. We’re
overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity of
our supporters. Thank you for helping us make a
lasting impact!