ETC 50th Anniversary Make a Ripple Gala

We did it! Environmental Traveling Companions’ (ETC) 50^th Anniversary Make-a-Ripple Gala was a grand success!

What an incredible evening celebrating our storied 50-year history and ensuring continued funding for ETC’s accessible and transformational outdoor adventures for people of all abilities and youth from under-resourced backgrounds.

We are thrilled to share that we raised over $450,000, thanks to our generous guests, live auction and event sponsors, and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers and staff!

Here are just a few highlights of a memorable evening:

• After a four-year gap in hosting an ETC gala, it was a joy to see friends and supporters reconnecting over Hog Island oysters, Nugget Market charcuterie, refreshing Lagunitas beers, and lovely wines from Turley Wine Cellars and Chambers & Chambers.
• Our outstanding Board Chair and Gala MC Howard Levitt welcomed our vibrant crowd and introduced our new Executive Director Aimee Good, as well as ETC’s talented staff.
• In their presentation “ETC Through the Decades,” Diane and Graciella Rossi spoke of our organization’s scrappy, yet impactful beginnings; Xerxes Whitney wowed us with his poetry; Fellows Sara and Marcie shared their powerful Youth LEAD experience; and Anthony Ng showcased ETC’s enduring impact on his life.
• While enjoying a delicious Cavallo Point Lodge dinner, our guests were treated to a touching film, “ETC – 50 Years of Accessible Adventures.” Thanks to all who sent in their video clips and to outstanding filmmakers Sam Huff and Erin Turney of Bearfish Productions.
• A robust Live Auction and Fund-a-Need were led by our fan-favorite auctioneer Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, along with long-time ETC supporter David Kennedy. Together, they successfully inspired ETC supporters to match and exceed our $100,000 challenge grant.
• Guests from near and far joined us to honor Diane for her 40 years at the helm of ETC. Our keynote speaker Nat Gleason, M.D. delivered moving remarks and then treated us to a touching rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” dedicated to Diane.

The night concluded with a ceremonial “passing of the paddle” from Executive Director Emerita Diane Poslosky to Aimee Good, ETC’s new Executive Director.

Check out our Gala highlight reel!

Thank you again for supporting ETC’s mission, programs, and our 50^th Anniversary Gala! Here’s to 50 more years of sharing educational and transformational outdoor adventures with youth from under-resourced backgrounds and people of all abilities!

For those of you who were not able to attend the Gala, it’s not too late to join ETC in making a ripple and a difference in the lives of our wonderful participants!

Finally, watch the Bearfish Production film “ETC- 50 Years of Accessible Adventures” that we premiered at the Gala. Enjoy and thank you for being part of ETC’s amazing community!