I always have those jitters in the weeks and days leading up to an event that no one will show up for my party.  You would think I had those under control after dozens of these shindigs, but it never fails to happen.  Wild & Scenic was no exception and with five other non-profit organizations, plus theHippodrome Theater counting on me, the pressure was even more intense.  While I will admit that I would have loved to see all 400 hundred seats taken and wall to wall people, I must admit that for the space in the lobby and our After Party concluding the films, it was a perfect crowd at around 200.

The evening started off a little shaky with some issues with my powerpoint (pc vs. mac issues), but in the end, my friend Katie came through with her laptop and expertise and things started off well; if a little late.  All of the films seemed to be well received and it was great to hear the different organizations (SC Aquarium, Coastal Conservation League, SEWE, Lowcountry Earth Force, and Lowcountry Local First) introduce their films by sharing their message and how each film related to Charleston.  Having my partners select the films and share their stories and be there afterwards to answer questions or just talk with attendees really made the event especially meaningful.  And as excited as I was to see many familiar faces, I was even more gratified to see lots of new ones.

After the conclusion of the five films and a few shorts thrown in, World Oriental Kitchen and The Bluestone Ramblers treated us to great music and delicious food.  It was great to hear the different groups talking about ideas to enhance our community and continue to promote our missions. It was nice to wake up to several thank you emails and text messages from people who attended and participated.  I spoke with one of the attendees, Suzanne Simpson, today and she told me how the films inspired her to dig deep and try to find new ways to incorporate some green practices into her new life with two small children.  It made me realize how hard it is (especially with a family to care for); to not fall into old and sometimes easier habits.  Like working out, being green requires a plan and continued focus.  It's easy to fall off the wagon when we are all so busy and distracted.  I hope that as inspired as many of were last night, we can keep that "Earth Day" feeling throughout the year...because really our community is depending on it.  All in all it was a great night and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the participation of these amazing non-profit partners.  I continue to be proud to be a part of such a giving community.  I am thankful each and every day that I can call Charleston home. 

Special Thanks to our sponsors: Half-Moon Outfitters, Charleston City Paper, The Hippodrome Theater, Nature Adventure Outfitters, Charleston Scuba, and Pratt-Thomas and Walker.