5TH ANNUAL
FRIENDS of the EVERGLADES
Thank you for attending the 5th Annual Marjory Stoneman Douglas Legacy Celebration!
Your presence helped make this year’s event our most impactful gathering yet, honoring the legacy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas and celebrating the advocates who continue her fight to protect the only Everglades in the world.
RELIVE the CELEBRATION
From the inspiring keynote by Dave Barry to the recognition of Jessica Namath as the 2026 Defender of the Everglades, the afternoon was filled with powerful reminders of what’s possible when advocacy, community and commitment come together.
View Dave Barry’s keynote and Jessica Namath’s acceptance speech for insight and inspiration.
Explore additional moments from the celebration.
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS: EVERGLADES DEFENSE FUND
This year’s theme, Rescuing the River of Grass, underscored the urgent need for increased water storage, capacity and treatment in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Executive Director, Eve Samples, shares her perspective on these challenges and how supporters like you can make a lasting impact through advocacy and action.
Supporting these efforts allows Friends of the Everglades to continue protecting and restoring this unique ecosystem. Through the Everglades Defense Fund, we are taking bold legal and advocacy action to defend the River of Grass from external threats. Your generosity directly fuels this work and ensures the Everglades are preserved for future generations.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
We are deeply grateful to the sponsors whose generosity makes so much possible.
KEYSTONE SPONSORS
Barbara and Alan Pareira
Kiplinger Family Foundation
CYPRESS SPONSORS
Portia Culley at JP Morgan Wealth Management
Traba Financial Group
Richard and Kellie Trotta
MANGROVE SPONSORS
Alan Farago
Feil Lewin Family Office
The Land Trust of Dade County
Honorable Cindy Lerner
The Samara Fund
Skiff and Company Landscaping, Inc
Hold the Line Coalition
FRIENDS of the EVERGLADES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Phil Kushlan, Chair
Peter Upton, Vice Chair
Connie Washburn, Secretary
Richard Trotta, Treasurer
Alan Farago, Conservation Chair
Royal C. Gardner
Ray Judah
Nathaniel Linville
Christopher McVoy
Robert Mitchell
Dave Preston
Camila Quaresma-Sharp
Carol Waxler
Blair Wickstrom
Eve Samples, Executive Director
PARTNER WITH FRIENDS of the EVERGLADES
We invite you to join us in protecting America’s Everglades by sponsoring this special event. Together, we can keep the River of Grass flowing for generations to come.
For more information, please contact:
Scott Brown, Director of Development
305-669-0858 | 804.461.8830
scott.brown@everglades.org
Friends of the Everglades is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 23-7099893. In compliance with IRS regulations, your fees are tax-deductible to the extent that payment exceeds the fair market value of goods and services received by attendee(s). A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free within the state.
Registration does not employ endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.