50th anniversary celebration for Friends of the Everglades

Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Friends of the Everglades, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. There will be a benefit on April 7 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. April 7 is Marjorie Stoneman Douglas' birthday, the founder of the group. Ms. Douglas passed away at 108 years old in 1998.

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails overlooking the gardens, live music, an environmentally-themed silent auction, and a keynote address by Everglades restoration leader Maggy Hurchalla.

The group fights to protect the Everglades including the wetlands and thousands of plant and animal species. They pride themselves on their grassroots approach to elevate citizens’ voices, and to make a powerful impact.

Marjory's house, a small bungalow in South Grove will receive a Florida Historic Marker, which will be unveiled at the April event.

Louis Aguirre, channel 10 news anchor is MC, and the 50th Anniversary Award recipients are Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava and Coconut Grove attorney Paul Schwiep.

The Friends of the Everglades benefit on April 7 is from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and include membership to the Friends of the Everglades.

Net proceeds from the event will support Friends’ work to carry on Marjory’s legacy of standing up to politicians and other powerful interests to defend her beloved River of Grass.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit everglades.org or call 305-274-4772. 

Fairchild Garden is at 10901 Old Cutler Road.