Newcomers invited to apply for complimentary admission to ’80s-themed event

MORRISTOWN, NJ – October 13, 2026 — The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) announced today they are giving away six Gala tickets to individuals who have not yet experienced this exciting event. Those interested in attending the ‘80s Time Capsule Gala & Silent Auction may request up to two tickets, valued at $250 each.

The event will take place on Thursday, October 22, from 6:00-9:30 PM at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey.  Once again, GSWA’s popular Silent Auction will offer a wide variety of items and experiences. The online auction opens on October 15 and ends at 9:30 PM on the night of the Gala.

This year’s ’80s-themed Gala offers a nostalgic look back at GSWA’s early days, reminding everyone of how far the organization has come from its humble beginnings.

“GSWA was founded in 1981, just as big hair and neon clothing were just coming into fashion,” said Val Thorpe, GSWA Director of Operations. “The ’80s were also a historic decade when people were tuning in to environmental issues like air pollution and acid rain. As we celebrate our anniversary, we're proud to have spent the last 45 years turning that awareness into action to protect for our local water and land!”

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 email must include the following: your name, the number of tickets requested (maximum of two), your address, phone number, and a short summary of why you wish to attend. Deadline to apply is 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Ticket recipients will be notified by email the following day. Attendees are encouraged to wear their finest ‘80s fashion, although dressing in theme is not mandatory.

“We are grateful to Underwriters GSWA Board Member, Reed Auerbach and his wife, Adrienne, and Atlantic Health, for helping introduce new people to GSWA’s mission by generously offering these free tickets,” said Izzy Filippini, GSWA Office Manager and Event Coordinator. “If you want a guaranteed seat at the table, tickets are also available for purchase at GreatSwamp.org.”

GSWA thanks its generous 2026 Gala underwriters: Sapphire 45th Anniversary Underwriter: Call 3 Degrees; Bald Eagle Underwriters: Atlantic Health System, Opella, Valley Bank; Black Bear Underwriters: Adrienne & Reed Auerbach, BASF Corporation, Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C., Dixon Energy/Pierson Family Foundation, New Jersey American Water, and The Winifred M. and George P. Pitkin Foundation.

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.