BEC's First Annual Brunch Packed the House

By Nikki Schlaishunt

The Butte Environmental Council hosted our First Annual Brunch on March 19th at the Trinity Methodist Church in downtown Chico and we filled the hall! The sense of support and enthusiasm for the environment and for BEC was amazing. During the hour long event, several speakers shared their personal stories of what the environment and BEC mean to them. There was also time to eat a delicious breakfast prepared by Trudy Leap and time to talk to other attendees who also care about our local land, air and water. The event ended with table captains passing out pledge cards and a board member asking people to give what they can to the valuable and important work that BEC does.

New Fundraising Model

We hope that this event will, eventually enable us to raise the money we need to support our programs for the entire year. This goal will enable staff to spend most of the year working for the environment instead of spending time and resources on fundraising throughout the year. This year's brunch raised almost $3000 in donations and an additional $228 in monthly pledges. While we are thrilled with this generous outpouring, it is not yet enough to do one fundraising event a year, so please watch for new ways to give to BEC in the coming months. Increased

Membership Goal

BEC currently has about 700 members. We would love to see us grow up to 1% of the population of Butte County (220,577). Reaching this goal would mean an additional $50,000 in support for our work each year, and it would make our voice stronger when we speak on behalf of the land, water and air. You can help by spreading the word about BEC and our work and encouraging others who support the environment to join BEC. If you are interested in having a Green House Party to introduce people you know to our work, please contact me at 891-6424 or nikkis@becprotects.org

BEC Video

I created a video for the First Annual Brunch and it is now posted on You Tube.

I hope you will take a look and share it with your friends.

A Big Thank You

Thanks to our food donors--Brooklyn Bridge Bagel Works, Chaffin Family Orchards, Chico Chai, Chico Natural Foods Co-op, Chris the Egg Guy, Harpo Organics, Hearth & Stone, Jen Ferrini's Family Daycare, Naked Lounge, Noble Orchard, Rob's Produce, Trader Joe's, Upper Crust Bakery. Thanks to our chef, Trudy Leap. Thanks to all of our Table Captains, and especially thanks to the volunteers and staff who did kitchen duty and clean-up!