Tickets are available for first-time attendees

MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY – The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) announced today they are giving away eight Gala tickets to individuals who have not yet experienced this exciting event. Those interested in attending the Green Carpet Gala may request up to two tickets, valued at $250 each. The event takes place Thursday, October 23, 6:00-9:30 PM at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey. Visit GreatSwamp.org for additional information and to purchase tickets.

Gala highlights:

· Entertainment by comedian and actor, Chris Gethard, also serving as host.

· Honoring (and roasting) Julia Somers, Executive Director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, 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 Centre, and a group of anonymous supporters have pledged to donate $75 to GSWA for every vegan meal ordered. 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 online auction opens on October 16 and ends at 9:30 PM on the night of the Gala.

“This year’s Green Carpet Gala is shaping up to be our most engaging and fun event yet!” said Izzy Filippini, GSWA Office Manager and Event Coordinator. “With the hilarious Chris Gethard hosting and the opportunity to celebrate the legendary Julia Somers, guests are in for a memorable night that directly supports our vital work to protect the water and land of the Great Swamp and Passaic River watersheds.”

For a chance to receive up to two complimentary GSWA Gala tickets, valued at $250 each, email vthorpe@greatswamp.org with the subject, “Free Gala Tickets.” The body of the email must include the applicant’s name, number of requested tickets (up to two), address, email, and mobile phone number, along with an explanation of why you wish to attend. Deadline for consideration is 5:00 PM, Friday, October 17, 2025. Ticket recipients will be notified by email that evening.

“We are beyond grateful to GSWA supporter, Margaret Nelson, and one of our underwriters for generously offering these free tickets,” stated Bill Kibler, GSWA Executive Director. “And for those who want a guaranteed seat at the table, tickets are available for purchase at GreatSwamp.org.”

GSWA thanks its generous Gala underwriters (to date): Atlantic Health Systems, New Jersey American Water, Adrienne & Reed Auerbach, BASF, Agi & Matt Krauser, 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.

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About the Great Swamp Watershed Association

Protecting the waters of the Great Swamp watershed region for over 40 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 our communities with 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, visit GreatSwamp.org