Anonymous Supporters Pledge a Donation for Every Vegan Meal Ordered

MORRISTOWN, NJ – The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) is rolling out the green carpet for this year’s annual Gala and Silent Auction. This special awards-style fundraiser will honor Julia Somers on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:30 PM, at the prestigious Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey. For tickets and information visit GreatSwamp.org.

At the honoree’s request, the evening will feature a light-hearted video "roast" with submissions from some of Ms. Somers’ long-time friends and colleagues.

"We are truly excited to celebrate Julia's incredible legacy and commitment to the health of New Jersey’s environment with this fun and engaging event," said Bill Kibler, Executive Director of the GSWA. "Who else but Julia would actually request a roast?! It’s a perfect way for our community to show their admiration and appreciation.”

Members of the public are invited to submit a 20-30 second video clip about Julia. Those interested in contributing to the video should email ifilippini@greatswamp.org. While all submissions are welcome, not all videos may be used in the final production.

In a unique show of support for GSWA’s mission of clean water and a healthy environment, a group of anonymous donors have pledged to make an additional donation to GSWA for every guest who selects the vegan meal option. This ‘Vegan Challenge’ was highly successful for the organization at their 2019 Gala.

“The ‘Vegan Challenge’ is back! I hope you'll join me in raising funds while raising awareness of the connection between our food choices and the environment,” continued Kibler. “Each vegan meal saves 550 gallons of water, versus the steak option.”

VIP ticket holders will attend a private reception of cocktails, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and exclusive access to the event’s discussion leaders beginning at 5:00 PM, preceding the main event. GSWA also offers a Young Professionals ticket at half the price of regular admission. GSWA is committed to cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards.

For those interested in participating in this event and providing further support to GSWA's mission, tickets and event details, including underwriting, advertising, and silent auction donation opportunities are available at GreatSwamp.org or by calling Izzy at 973-538-3500.

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

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 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.