Silent Auction Opens Online October 16

MORRISTOWN, NJ – [September 11, 2025] – The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) announced today that Chris Gethard will serve as host at its October 23, 2025, Green Carpet Gala and Silent Auction. Gethard is a comedian, podcaster, and writer who has acted in shows like The Office, Broad City, and Parks and Recreation, as well as movies like Anchorman 2, The Other Guys, The Heat, and Don't Think Twice.

“The Great Swamp Watershed Association does very vital and often underappreciated work, and I’m thrilled to work with them at this year’s Gala,” said Gethard.

Gethard, a native New Jerseyan, hosts the podcast Beautiful/Anonymous, which TIME Magazine hailed as "a master class in empathy, compassion, and kindness." Gethard has toured the world as a stand-up comic and has authored six books. He was also heavily featured in the HBO documentary Class Action Park, talking about New Jersey's most infamous water park.

“We are absolutely delighted that Chris is coming out to entertain our supporters at this year's Gala,” said Val Thorpe, GSWA Director of Operations. “His passion for the environment is as impressive as his talent, and he’s sure to make this a night to remember!”

Additional Gala highlights include:

• Honoring Julia Somers for her lifelong dedication to protecting New Jersey's environment.
• VIP Cocktail Hour: VIP ticket holders enjoy a private reception with Chris Gethard and Julia Somers with cocktails and gourmet hors d’oeuvres from 5:00-6:00 p.m., prior to the start of the Gala event.
• The Vegan Challenge: Cold Brook Farm in Oldwick, The Bernardsville Center, and a group of anonymous donors have pledged to donate $75 to GSWA for every guest who selects the vegan meal option. This is a simple way for every attendee to directly contribute to the cause through their dinner choice.
• The Silent Auction will offer a wide variety of items and experiences. The auction opens online on October 16 and ends at 9:30 PM on the night of the Gala.

Tickets, event details, underwriting, advertising, and silent auction donation opportunities are available at GreatSwamp.org or call 973-538-3500.

GSWA thanks its generous Gala underwriters (to date): Atlantic Health Systems, New Jersey American Water, Adrienne & Reed Auerbach, BASF, PSEG, and Valley Bank.

Proceeds from all underwriting, ticket sales, and auction purchases support water quality monitoring, environmental education, land preservation and stewardship, and advocacy initiatives of the Great Swamp Watershed Association.

GSWA is an Accredited Land Trust and the official Waterkeeper Alliance Affiliate for the Passaic River.

# # #

About the Great Swamp Watershed Association

Protecting the waters of the Great Swamp watershed region for nearly 45 years, the Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the water resources of the Passaic River region, from the Great Swamp headwaters to Newark Bay, for present and future generations. Through education, advocacy, science, land preservation, and stewardship, in collaboration with partners, we work to instill in our communities an awareness of water’s effect on health and the beauty of the environment, from source to sea.

For more information about the Great Swamp Watershed Association, please visit GreatSwamp.org.