Last weekend I enjoyed running the Little River trail run, a great event put on…
By Olivia Garcia, Communications Manager
“We believe that land is worth protecting – not from people, but for people,” said Sandy Sweitzer, Executive Director of Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC), in her remarks at the Force for Nature Gala and Art Auction on February 21.
Held at the Umstead Hotel in Cary, North Carolina, this special, one-time event was a shining example of community love for our natural spaces and the collaboration necessary to protect them. Over 250 people gathered for the formal announcement of the public and final phase of TLC’s most ambitious fundraising effort yet – Force for Nature: A Campaign to Protect the Triangle’s Land & Water for All.
Since launching the campaign in 2023, TLC staff and volunteers have been working behind the scenes toward a goal of $60 million to protect critical natural resources across the Triangle region. Thanks to generous early phase commitments – including both financial gifts and the donated value of conserved land – the campaign is nearing the finish line with just $1.2 million left to raise during the public phase, which runs through June.
A central theme to the Gala was the connection between people and nature, expressed through art. The event featured a silent auction of paintings, sculptures, photography and more from local artists like Mary Rountree Moore, Mark Hewitt, and Patrick Dougherty. Art inspired by TLC-protected lands, such as Autumn Cobeland’s “Williamson Preserve” paintings, and pieces from current TLC supporters, like Cynthia and Steve Sollod, were part of the sold-out collection of 49 pieces.
The evening’s program was brought to life by multiple forms of art. Local artist duo DIBKORMA opened the evening with a special immersive moment that united the audience in the transformative value of nature, an urgent reminder in our fast-growing region. The Triangle’s wildlife was celebrated in “Dear tulip tree silk moth” a poem composed for the Gala by poet and long-time TLC supporter, Tori Reynolds. From spoken words to painted canvas, each work of art showed people’s deep connection to nature and community.
Throughout the night, TLC’s achievements for the region were on display, demonstrating the nonprofit’s proven track record and making the case for continued support, including a powerful message resonating with many donors: Force for Nature campaign contributions are being put to work immediately. The $58+ million raised since 2023 has already helped protect more than 5,000 acres of the Triangle’s land, supported TLC’s Pathways Into Nature Environments and Science (PINES) Fellowship, funded restoration of wildlife habitats at TLC nature preserves, and supported the care, maintenance and expansion of more than 54 miles of active trails at TLC’s public preserves.
“The Triangle’s open spaces, wild places, and working lands are a vital part of what makes this region special,” said Sweitzer. “Even if you never step foot in a TLC preserve, our work benefits you and your neighbors by protecting the water you drink, supporting local farms to provide fresh foods, sequestering carbon in protected forests and prime soils, and restoring native habitats to support important species.”
By the end of the night, more than $170,000 was raised for TLC from the art auction, live bidding for two international trips, and audience donations to the Force for Nature Fund. “Your investment in Triangle Land Conservancy will pay huge dividends across multiple arenas,” said Bert Fisher, TLC Board of Directors Chair. “You can help determine the future of the Triangle.”
Anyone can be a force for nature – your donation today fuels the protection of the Triangle’s land, forests, water, and trails for years to come. Learn more about the campaign and how you can support it at www.forcefornaturenc.org
Special Thanks
The gala was a collaborative effort of TLC staff and its community of supporters and volunteers. The event’s presenting sponsor, Great Outdoor Provision Company, went above and beyond to assist in many aspects, including the housing and transport of artwork. Additional sponsors included Net Friends, The Raleigh Group, Creative Fundraising Advisors, Kennon Craver, Martin Marietta, and Weatherspoon Voltz.
West Queen Studio donated stunning native floral arrangements and custom cloth napkins featuring a vibrant nature print from New South Pattern House. Lennon KC provided live music, Fullsteam donated beers crafted to celebrate TLC’s work, and the team at The Umstead Hotel was wonderfully supportive.
We also extend gratitude to our lively event emcee, Dale Threatt-Taylor, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina, former TLC board member, and long-time supporter.
Lastly, TLC thanks the expertise of the Gala Committee and the Force for Nature campaign co-chairs, Sally Edwards and Cindy Pacchiana.
Gala Committee:
Molly Cherry
Sidney Cruze
Sally Edwards
Mavis Gragg
Paige Jackson
Janie Morgan
Morgan Moylan
Cindy Pacchiana
Chris Parker
Emily Perreault
Jackie Leach Pierce
Matt Strobl
Laura Virkler
Lysandra Weber
