Invite: The National Audubon Society’s 2015 Annual Gala Dinner | 3/31

WHAT: The National Audubon Society, one of the world’s largest and best-known conservation organizations, will honor three exceptional conservationists for their environmental leadership and lifetime commitment to the environment at the National Audubon Society Gala Dinner. The event will take place at the Plaza Hotel Ballroom in New York on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Actress and comedian Kate Flannery will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

The National Audubon Society will honor Jack and Laura Dangermond (founders of Esri) as recipients of the prestigious Audubon Medal, recognizing them for their outstanding achievements in the field of technology and conservation innovation, and support for research institutions, schools, and non-profit organizations. In 2013, the UN named Jack Dangermond a Champion of the Earth.

Spencer B. Beebe (founder of Ecotrust and co-founder of Conservation International) will receive the third annually awarded $100,000 Lufkin Prize for Environmental Leadership, one of the largest awards in environmental recognition. Beebe was chosen to receive the award because of his lifelong focus on integrated solutions that that build ecological and economic value. Beebe’s achievements span the hemisphere, from the Amazon to Alaska. The Lufkin Prize was established by Dan Lufkin’s family in honor of his love and dedication to supporting conservation and environmental causes.

Guests will have a first look at new artwork from Audubon’s Mural Project, a campaign that is transforming NYC’s West 140s and 150s into a fresh and modern outdoor art gallery with a focused mission to draw attention to birds that are threatened by climate change.

WHO: Guests expected to attend include David Yarnold, President & CEO, the National Audubon Society; Jack and Laura Dangermond, Founders, Environmental Systems Research Institute; Spencer B. Beebe, Founder and Chairman, Ecotrust, and Kate Flannery, Actress and Comedian. Additional guests and the evening’s Master of Ceremonies will be announced in the coming weeks.