2023 Benefit

Published Jul 18, 2023

A FOOD & WATER WATCH BENEFIT TO PROTECT OUR PLANET

Against All Odds

Virtual Conference


Wednesday, October 11, 2023

New York City Reception


Thursday, October 12, 2023

GET TICKETS

We’re fighting for three fundamental goals:
sustainable food, clean water, and a livable climate for all.

We’ve proven that when we work together, we can take on corporations that endanger our chance to secure the essential things we need to thrive – and win! They may have deep pockets, but we have dedicated champions like you on our side.

Against All Odds is a call to action and celebration of our community. Because of you, our grassroots movement has the power to win – no matter the odds.

Against All Odds is a hybrid event with two ways to participate.

Join Us Virtually


October 11, 2023

3:30-5:30 pm ET
(12:30-2:30 pm PT)


 All registrants will receive an access link to join online.

The full program will be announced soon. 

Reception in New York City


October 12, 2023
6:00-8:30 pm ET


Salesforce Tower overlooking Bryant Park

1095 6th Avenue,

New York, NY, 10018

All reception tickets include access to the virtual conference.

Honorees

Sandra Steingraber
Dr. Sandra Steingraber
-

Sandra Steingraber

Biologist and author Dr. Sandra Steingraber – known as the “new Rachel Carson” – combines memoir with science in her books about environmental health and the dangers of fracking, which have informed campaigns to ban fracking around the world.

Alongside Food & Water Watch, Sandra co-founded the statewide coalition New Yorkers Against Fracking, as well as the Concerned Health Professionals of New York – both instrumental in passing a fracking ban in New York State in 2014. Sandra then led a three-year civil disobedience movement, We Are Seneca Lake, that halted storage of fracked gas on the banks of Seneca Lake. Sandra is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Rachel Carson Leadership Award and the Heinz Award. She continues to be a leader in the fight for real climate solutions and a healthier future for us all and is featured in our new educational page, “The Carbon Capture Scam.“

Dr Alan and Karen Warren
Dr Alan and Karen Warren
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Dr Alan and Karen Warren

Dr Alan and Karen Warren are passionate activists who first got involved with Food & Water Watch when Karen’s sister was faced with a fracking project in her own backyard. They never looked back – and have been instrumental in shutting down fossil fuel projects, including the Williams NESE pipeline, ever since.

Following the 2016 election, they recognized the urgent need to protect our democratic institutions, expand voting rights, and elect representatives who put people and our planet over profits. They rolled up their sleeves and got to work getting out the vote for climate champions.

Speakers

FEATURED SPEAKER

Jane Fonda

Jane’s career as an actor has spanned over 50 years. Throughout that time she has consistently used her platform to fight for causes she believes in. She has recently shifted her attention as an activist to combatting the climate crisis at its roots — fossil fuels. Through her work with Fire Drill Fridays and the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, she works every day to draw attention to the climate crisis, highlight the solutions the science demands, and support candidates and elected leaders who are willing to fight for those policies despite the corrupting influence of the fossil fuel industry on our political system.

speaker
Vic Barrett

Climate Activist and plaintiff in the Juliana v. United States climate lawsuit

Vic Barrett

Climate Activist

Vic is a 24-year-old climate activist driven to action after experiencing the devastating impacts of Hurricane Sandy. Vic is a Fellow with the Alliance for Climate Education and spoke at the COP21 UN Conference on Climate Change in Paris. He is among 21 youth advocates suing the U.S. government in the Juliana vs. United States lawsuit stating the government is violating youth rights by allowing climate-damaging activities. He cares deeply about climate justice, human rights, and protecting the planet for his and future generations. 
speaker
Elise Joshi

Organizer and Executive Director at 
Gen-Z for Change

Elise Joshi

Climate Activist

Elise is a 20-year-old organizer and Executive Director at Gen-Z for Change. Through Gen-Z for Change and her own TikTok platform, Joshi mobilizes people across the country to take action on climate, labor, and health. Joshi is part of the firewall against both climate nihilism and climate denial, generating millions of social media views monthly that combat both narratives and amplify on-the-ground efforts for a sustainable and just future. 
speaker
Sarah Jaquette Ray

Professor and author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety

Sarah Jaquette Ray

Professor and chair of Environmental Studies at Polytechnic, Humboldt

Dr. Sarah Jaquette Ray works at the intersection of climate, emotions, and justice. She is a professor and chair of environmental studies at California Polytechnic, Humboldt. Her book, A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet, is an existential toolkit for the climate generation. Ray is also a certified mindfulness facilitator through the UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center.
speaker
Emily Gallagher

New York Assembly Member, District 50

Emily Gallagher

New York Assembly Member, District 50

Emily Gallagher is an activist, organizer and nonprofit professional who serves as the Assembly member for New York’s 50th District (Greenpoint, Williamsburg Clinton Hill, Ft. Greene, Brooklyn). Gallagher's career has been focused on fostering a relationship of mutual empowerment between local communities and the institutions that serve them.
speaker
Mitch Jones

Managing Director of Advocacy Programs and Policy at Food & Water Watch

Mitch Jones

Managing Director of Advocacy Programs and Policy at Food & Water Watch

Mitch Jones is the Managing Director of Advocacy Programs and Policy. He leads the organization’s work on federal and state policy as well as the organization’s political program. Prior to joining Food & Water Watch, he worked at the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, focusing on issues related to food safety and renewable fuel policy.
speaker
Elise Joshi

Climate Activist

Vic is a 24-year-old climate activist driven to action after experiencing the devastating impacts of Hurricane Sandy. Vic is a Fellow with the Alliance for Climate Education and spoke at the COP21 UN Conference on Climate Change in Paris. He is among 21 youth advocates suing the U.S. government in the Juliana vs. United States lawsuit stating the government is violating youth rights by allowing climate-damaging activities. He cares deeply about climate justice, human rights, and protecting the planet for his and future generations. 

Virtual Program

October 11th, 2023

All times shown are Eastern

3:30 pm et

Welcome & Keynote

Jane Fonda

Wenonah Hauter

Vic Barrett

Elise Joshi

Welcome to Against All Odds! We’ll kick off the conference with a special introduction from actor and activist Jane Fonda. Each generation brings unique strengths and perspectives to our fight to protect our planet. Whether your motivation is to preserve a healthy planet for the young people we love, or to inherit a world and future where you can thrive, we all have something valuable to contribute. Through a conversation with youth activists Elise Joshi, Founder of Gen-Z for Change, and Vic Barrett, a plaintiff in the Juliana v. United States climate lawsuit against the federal government, we’ll discuss the future of activism and the role we all play in building a better future.

4:05 pm et

Session 1 | Harnessing Hope in the Face of Climate Anxiety

Dr. Sarah Jaquette Ray

The constant barrage of bad news about climate change — rising temperatures, extreme weather events, increasing pollution — can feel overwhelming and insurmountable and cause what’s known as climate anxiety. You’re not alone! In this session, you’ll learn from expert Sarah Jaquette Ray, author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet. Together, we’ll explore strategies for engaging with feelings of anxiety, grief and despair — but also joy — and why this is so important for building our resiliency in our fight for a more just and regenerative world.

4:35 pm et

Break

4:45 pm et

Session 2 | People’s Choice! The 2024 Political Landscape: What Lies Ahead for Climate Activism 

Emily Gallagher

Mitch Jones

The outcome of the 2024 presidential election will shape the next four years of climate policy — a critical period when we must take urgent action to end our reliance on fossil fuels. Food & Water Watch is poised to step into action and ensure our elected representatives prioritize our food, water, and climate. Learn from experts about why we need to elect more climate champions, how we can pressure candidates — and our current elected officials — to take stronger stances on climate issues, and how you can get involved.

5:15 pm et

Session 3 | Celebrating our Honorees

Dr. Sandra Steingraber

Dr Alan and Karen Warren

Food & Water Watch is proud to honor Dr. Sandra Steingraber and Dr Alan and Karen Warren for their commitment to protecting our planet. Sandra was instrumental in the fight to ban fracking in New York, and by bringing the science to the public and policymakers, he continues to be a leader in the fight to end our reliance on fossil fuels. Alan and Karen are passionate activists who are committed to protecting our democratic institutions, expanding voting rights, and electing climate champions.

Reception

October 12, 2023

Come celebrate our wins in NYC!

Enjoy food and drinks, live music, a silent auction, and a celebration of our 2023 Honorees — all overlooking Bryant Park with spectacular views of Manhattan.

Get Tickets

Get Your Tickets

Ticket Options & Benefits

Join us virtually from the comfort of your home for our virtual conference on Wednesday, October 11, or join us in New York City on Thursday, October 12 for a reception — or both! Whichever you choose, we invite you to celebrate the progress we’ve made together for safe food, clean water and a livable climate for all.

Tickets $150 and up include access to the New York City reception AND the virtual conference.

All packages include Food & Water Watch membership and subscription to our print and digital newsletters.

Ally

$50.00

Buy Ticket

See Perks

  • Access to the virtual conference only
  • Does not include a ticket to NYC reception. Please purchase a Defender level ticket or above to attend the reception)
  • Fully tax- deductible
Defender

$150.00

Buy Ticket

See Perks

  • Access to the virtual conference
  • One ticket to the New York City Reception
  • Food & Water Watch Activist Kit (t-shirt, stickers and button)
  • Your name listed on event materials
  • If attending virtually-only, your ticket is $115 tax-deductible. If attending the NYC Reception, your ticket is $70 tax-deductible.
Activist

$500.00

Buy Ticket

See Perks

  • Access to the virtual conference, plus one guest link
  • Two tickets to the New York City Reception
  • Food & Water Watch Activist Kit (t-shirt, stickers and button)
  • Your name listed on event materials
  • If attending virtually-only, your ticket is $465 tax-deductible. If attending the NYC Reception, your ticket is $340 tax-deductible.

Virtual
Sponsorships

Committee

$1,000.00

Be a Sponsor

See Perks

  • Access to the virtual conference, plus two guest links
  • Three tickets to the New York City Reception
  • Virtual conference VIP room access for you and your guests to meet conference speakers
  • Food & Water Watch Activist Kit (t-shirt, stickers and button)
  • Your name listed on event materials
  • If attending virtually-only, your ticket is $965 tax-deductible. If attending the NYC Reception, your ticket is $760 tax-deductible.
Chair

$2,500.00

Be a Sponsor

See Perks

  • Access to the virtual conference, plus three guest links
  • Four tickets to the New York City Reception
  • Virtual conference VIP room access for you and your guests to meet conference speakers
  • Food & Water Watch Activist Kit (t-shirt, stickers and button)
  • Your name listed on event materials
  • If attending virtually-only, your ticket is $2,465 tax-deductible. If attending the NYC Reception, your ticket is $2,180 tax-deductible.
Benefactor

$5,000.00

Be a Sponsor

See Perks

  • Access to the virtual conference, plus four guest links
  • Five tickets to the New York City Reception
  • Virtual conference VIP room access for you and your guests to meet conference speakers
  • Food & Water Watch Activist Kit (t-shirt, stickers and button)
  • Your name listed on event materials
  • If attending virtually-only, your ticket is $4,965 tax-deductible. If attending the NYC Reception, your ticket is $4,680 tax-deductible.
Lead Sponsor

$10,000.00

Be a Sponsor

See Perks

  • Access to the virtual conference, plus five guest links
  • Six tickets to the New York City Reception and reserved seating
  • Virtual conference VIP room access for you and your guests to meet conference speakers
  • Opportunity to introduce a guest speaker
  • Food & Water Watch Activist Kit (t-shirt, stickers and button)
  • Your name listed on event materials
  • If attending virtually-only, your ticket is $9,965 tax-deductible. If attending the NYC Reception, your ticket is $9,520 tax-deductible.

Tickets are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. Tax deductible amounts vary and depend on benefits included with each ticket level, including food, drinks and gifts.Questions? Contact us.

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Your generosity protects our planet for generations to come.

Be a Sponsor

Lead Sponsor

Nancy Hughes

Karen and Dr Alan Warren

Manaaki Foundation

Benefactor

Lynne and Karen Azarchi

Madeleine Glick

Mike and Beth Kelley

Chairs

Madelaine Haberman and Michael Sprung

Alan Snitow

Carol Soderholm

Susan Weltman and Steven Jervis

Cloud Mountain Foundation 

Committee

Marilyn and Don Allan

Nancy Bernstein

Susan McKown Gladstone

Ann Logan

Craig Merrilees and Diana Cohn

Lisa Schubert

Janet Shapiro

Jeffrey Shulman

Zephyr Teachout

Anonymous

Our Supporters

Activists

Chuck Bell

Vincent Brancato

Dominik Eckenstein

Suzannah Glidden

Polly H. Howells

Marion Hunt

Lara and Ron Katzman

Carol A. Kurtz

Barbara C. Kyse

Gail Shields-Miller and Andrew Miller

Paula Rogovin

Mary Thomas

Susan Van Dolsen

Judy Wicks

JSA ESG Impact

Defenders

Helen Altieri

Patricia Arpin

Bonita Beard

Meredith Begin

Terese Bloom

Phillip D. Chonigman

Jonimarie Clemens

Tamara Clements

Gloria Foster

Zvi Galil

Sarah M. Gates

Daniele Gerard

Eric and Rhonda Greenberg

Mark Grossman

Fred Harrison

Jennifer Kolarsick

Jan Mardfin

Eileen McInerney

Deborah A. Milkowski

Mark Mulvoy

Matthew O'Neill

Christy Pennoyer

Heather Perlmutter

Elliot Prigozen

Marian Ronan

Clare Rosenfield

Tracy Russek

Ken Schles

Catherine F. Skopic

Richard Stuckey

Joyce Thibodeaux

Anne Todd and Frederick Osborn III

Walter Tsou

Ellen Vandevisse

Tina Volz-Bongar

Jennifer Watts

Jennifer Watts

Elaine Weir

Jackie Weisberg

Anonymous

Highlights from
Against All Odds 2022

The evening featured speakers including Congressman Jamaal Bowman and stories from community activists who were instrumental in important victories this year. U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón closed the night with a reading of her poem, Salvage - a stirring reminder of what we’re protecting, and to never give up hope.

Time to face it —~it’s people or plastics.~We can’t have both.

Become a plastic pollution fighter this Earth~ Day and have your gift MATCHED $3-to-$1!