2026 Earth Day Benefit Dinner

in a month

When

Thursday, April 23rd 2026 at 17:00 US/Central

Our annual Earth Day Benefit Dinner is a critical source of funding for our important work to save nearby nature, protect our region’s vital waterways, and connect children of all ages to the wonders of the natural world. We are so excited to gather at Bobak’s Signature Events again this April and hope you’ll join us!

Bobak’s Signature Events

Evening Includes

Acclaimed silent auction featuring an electronic auction system
Hors d’oeuvres, libations, and exquisite 3-course dinner
Inspirations video and short program
Musical entertainment by Downtown Charlie Brown
Opportunity to support our mission

Donations

We are welcoming item donations for our silent auction!

Click the link to donate items: https://app.betterunite.com/donateitem/o78W6pd4

FAQ Did you know?

Conservation Sustainability Local Education Community

Where

6440 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge, IL, USA

To attend this event and discover more service opportunities, please login.

Organizer

The Conservation Foundation

Simply put, we save land and we save rivers, and we’ve been at it for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972, The Conservation Foundation is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations dedicated to preserving and restoring open space, protecting rivers and watersheds and promoting stewardship of the environment in northeastern Illinois. We focus our work in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, but have also had the honor of working on significant projects in Cook, DeKalb, Grundy and LaSalle Counties.

FAQ

How does attending the 2026 Earth Day Benefit Dinner support The Conservation Foundation's work?

Ticket purchases, auction proceeds, and on-site donations directly fund conservation projects—protecting nearby natural areas, safeguarding regional waterways, and connecting children to nature. Beyond money, attendance raises public awareness, builds community support, and creates new volunteer and partnership opportunities that multiply the Foundation’s impact.

What are the most effective ways I can give or raise my impact at the event?

Be strategic: actively bid in the silent auction, make an on-site donation, and consider a recurring gift or corporate sponsorship. Ask your employer about matching gifts and set up matching before or after the event. Share the event with friends and on social media to expand support. If you want to make a larger, targeted impact, contact The Conservation Foundation to discuss program-specific gifts or planned giving options.

How do I donate items for the silent auction and what items help the most?

The Foundation is accepting auction item donations via this form: https://app.betterunite.com/donateitem/o78W6pd4. High-impact items include outdoor experiences (guided hikes, rentals), destination packages, gift certificates to local businesses, art or artisan goods, themed baskets, and professional services. Items that highlight nature, local partners, or family-friendly experiences tend to attract strong bids.

Any tips for using the electronic silent auction and handling payment/receipts?

Register in the auction app as soon as possible and save a credit card to your profile for faster checkout. Charge your phone, set maximum bid limits so you don’t overextend, and enable app notifications for outbids. After the event you’ll receive an electronic receipt for auction wins and donations; note that portions of ticket prices covering goods or meals may affect tax deductibility—keep your receipt and contact the Foundation for documentation or questions about tax treatment.

I can’t attend — how else can I support the event and the cause?

You can donate online to the Foundation, contribute items to the silent auction, sponsor the event, or promote it within your networks. Ask about proxy or absentee bidding if you’d like to participate in the auction remotely. Volunteering for future programs or sharing the Foundation’s mission on social media are also meaningful ways to help.

Did you know?

Did you know one in three bites of food globally depends on pollinators? Planting native flowers, creating habitat, and reducing pesticide use in your yard or community spaces can directly help pollinators and local food security.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) — Pollination: https://www.fao.org/pollination/en/

Did you know wetlands act like natural sponges and filters—improving water quality, reducing flood risk, and storing carbon? Protecting or restoring wetlands in your watershed helps safeguard drinking water and reduce storm impacts.

U.S. EPA — Why Are Wetlands Important?: https://www.epa.gov/wetlands/why-are-wetlands-important

Did you know people who spend at least 120 minutes a week in nature report better physical and mental health? Encouraging outdoor time for children and families builds healthier, more nature-connected communities.

White, M.P. et al., Scientific Reports (2019) — Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3

Did you know stormwater runoff and other nonpoint-source pollution are major causes of local waterway impairment? Simple actions—installing rain gardens, reducing fertilizer use, and picking up pet waste—can noticeably cut pollution entering creeks and rivers.

U.S. EPA — Basic Information about Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution: https://www.epa.gov/nps/basic-information-about-nonpoint-source-nps-pollution

Did you know donations and small local grants often unlock much larger matching funds and partnerships for conservation projects? Supporting local organizations can multiply impact and accelerate habitat and water protection.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Our Model (how grants leverage public/private partnership funding): https://www.nfwf.org/our-work/our-model

Did you know community-led conservation consistently produces better outcomes for biodiversity and people? Volunteering with or supporting local restoration and education programs directly improves habitat and builds long-term stewardship.

IUCN — Community-based conservation (briefing on benefits of local engagement): https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/community-based-conservation