• This month, Kane County Connects will highlight the organizations that are working to conserve and protect our local environment. Check out this “Countdown to Earth Day” feature every day from now until April 22 to learn more about the people and projects that are helping to improve sustainability throughout the Fox Valley! Today’s article is by The Conservation Foundation.

When you ask around town to see who is leading conservation work in our area, the local nonprofit The Conservation Foundation is always at the top of the list. Kane County has a long history of partnering with the foundation to help educate the public and protect our local natural resources, recently certifying the Kane County Government Center rain garden under the Conservation @ Work program.

If you want to support The Conservation Foundation’s efforts toward protecting natural areas and vital waterways in the region, join other like-minded folks at their Annual 2016 Earth Day Benefit Dinner.

This fundraising dinner will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 21,  2016, at Bobak’s Signature Events in Woodridge. The event is typically attended by more than 500 community leaders, elected officials and conservation supporters.

In addition to an exquisite meal, guests can participate in a silent auction featuring more than 200 unique nature-inspired items, while sharing an evening with representatives from the natural resources industry and others interested in preserving our environment.

Bidding is easy from each guest’s smartphone using BidPal® technology that makes keeping track of desired items easy. Each item is displayed on the smartphone for perusal, and users can easily manage their list of bids. BidPal® provides instant checkout and emailed receipts.

The Wall of Wine is a popular feature for guests who can choose a red or white wrapped bottle from a display of mystery vintages and values for $20. Visit the auction website often for silent auction updates and sneak previews.

Individual dinner tickets are $100 each. Register online under Upcoming Events, or call Carrie Thompson at (630) 428-4500, Ext. 110.

Table sponsorships are still available which include a table of eight, acknowledgement of sponsorship participation in the event, and other benefits. Email Chere Hayes or call (630) 428-4500, ext. 117.

Bobak’s Signature Events is located at 6440 Double Eagle Dr., Woodridge, 60517.

About The Conservation Foundation

The Conservation Foundation, headquartered in Naperville, is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations. Since it was founded in 1972, TCF has helped preserve nearly 33,000 acres of open space, restored and cleaned miles of rivers and streams, and educated thousands of kids by engaging them in nature and the outdoors. Work is focused in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties to preserve and restore nature in your neighborhood. Find out more at theconservationfoundation.org.

About the Kane County Division of Environmental & Water Resources

The Kane County Division of Environmental & Water Resources develops, evaluates, and implements programs to protect the health, safety and welfare of our residents and the environment. These programs include the countywide Stormwater Management program, the Kane County Recycles recycling and waste recovery programs, the electric aggregation program, the Sustain Kane programs, and other resource conservation and environmental projects