Against
All Odds
A Food & Water Watch Benefit to Protect our Planet
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Virtual: 8-9pm ET / 5-6pm PT
New York City: 7-9pm ET

On September 29, Food & Water Watch will host our first-ever hybrid annual benefit.
Join us as we shine a spotlight on our movement to protect our planet and mobilize for the path ahead.
We’re fighting for three fundamental goals: safe food, clean water and a livable climate for all. We’ve proven that when we work together, we can take on corporations that endanger these rights – and win. They may have deep pockets, but we have dedicated champions like you on our side. Because of you, our grassroots movement has the power to win – no matter the odds.
About the Event
Against All Odds is a hybrid event. You can choose to join us virtually for a live-streamed program, or you can join us in person in New York City for a reception with fellow activists. The event — whether virtual or in person — will feature stories of impact, calls to action, as well as a special recognition for our Honorees.
Join Us Virtually
8-9pm ET / 5-6pm PT
All registrants will receive an access link to join
OR
Join Us in
New York City
7-9pm ET at The Century Association
Food, drinks and celebration on the terrace!
Honorees

Elisa Gambino
Journalist & filmmaker
Elisa Gambino
Elisa Gambino is a journalist and filmmaker who spent her early career chronicling world events for CNN, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the wars in Bosnia and conflict in Somalia. Her work in Somalia was recognized with a News and Documentary Emmy Award. Since founding One Production Place in 2001, Elisa has directed award-winning shorts that examine health equity, climate change and racial justice. She also directed Welcome to Pine Lake in 2020 and Wasteland in 2022, which draws important links between factory farms, our waste and the human right to clean water and sanitation.

Bill Gee and
Sue Crothers
Lifelong
environmental activists
Bill Gee and Sue Crothers
Bill Gee and Sue Crothers are lifelong environmental activists. Together, they built one of the first sustainably designed homes in Illinois and founded the Manaaki Foundation, which supports environmental and social justice causes. Sue is a founding member of the One Earth Film Festival and Director of the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest. Bill, as former co-owner of a commercial bakery (and a beekeeper!), is passionate about building a sustainable food system and is a member of Food & Water Watch’s Advisory Council.
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Your sponsorship strengthens the grassroots power needed to solve the most pressing food, water and climate issues of our time. With your gift, you make things possible like:
- Funding cutting-edge research on food, water and climate issues.
- Organizing software tools
- Training for new Food & Water Volunteer Network volunteers.
Highlights from our 2021 Virtual Conference & Benefit
We had an incredible day of learning and community building with 12 sessions and hands-on trainings, incredible speakers like our keynote Amy Goodman and special guests like Mark Ruffalo, Ed Begley, Jr., members of Congress and more! Watch the 2021 highlights, and get your ticket for this year’s event today!
Get Your Tickets
Join us Virtually Join us in New York City
Ally
$50.00 (fully tax-deductible)
- Link to join virtual conference live on September 29, 2022
- Membership in Food & Water Watch, includes newsletter
Defender
$150.00 ($125 tax-deductible)
- All Ally benefits, plus:
- A special Food & Water Watch branded t-shirt
- Access to a special pre-event virtual reception to celebrate with fellow guests
- Listing on event materials.
Activist
$500.00 ($465 tax-deductible)
- All Defender benefits, plus:
- A branded protest sign to customize for your next rally.
Virtual Sponsorships
Committee
$1,000.00 ($930 tax-deductible)
- Listing on event materials
- A hand-picked bottle of wine and a Food & Water Watch branded t-shirt shipped to you for the event
- Access to a special pre-event virtual reception to celebrate with fellow guests
- Champions Circle Membership in Food & Water Watch, includes special updates and invites to events.
- Helps fund organizing software tools.
Chair
$2,500.00 ($2,430 tax-deductible)
- All Committee benefits, plus:
- Special access link for you to share with family and friends
- Leaders Circle Membership in Food & Water Watch, includes special updates, invites to events, access to leadership, and a copy of the Book of the Year
- Helps fund training for new Food & Water Volunteer Network volunteers
Benefactor
$5,000.00 ($4,930 tax-deductible)
- All Chair benefits, plus:
- Special recognition during the event
- Helps fund organizing materials for rallies, canvassing and trainings.
Lead Sponsor
$10,000.00 ($9,930 tax-deductible)
- All Benefactor benefits, plus:
- Opportunity to introduce a guest speaker at the event
- Helps fund cutting-edge research on food, water and climate issues.
Our Sponsors
This evening of celebration is made possible by the care and generosity of our sponsors. Thank You!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Kate Schwanhausser
Lead Sponsors
Marilyn and Don Allan
Elizabeth and Mike Kelley
Karen and Dr Alan Warren
Benefactor
Lynne and Karen Azarchi
Alan T. Messer
Chairs
Arden Down
Kathleen Lockwood
Craig Merrilees
Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman
Amy Wolf and Bennett Baumer
Committee
Mrs. Susan E. Gladstone
Carol A. Kurtz
Ann H. Logan
Lisa Schubert
Susan Weltman and Steven Jervis
Our Supporters
Activists
Lara and Ron Katzman
Janet Mardfin
Ms. Joyce Thibodeaux
Defenders
Elisabeth Beckstead
Barbara W. Brandom, MD
Jennifer Kolarsick
Dr. Rebecca R. Leas
Jane Torrence