<h2 style="text-align: center;">Midwest Pesticide Action Center Presents: Garden Gala at Garfield Park Conservatory</h2>
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On Thursday, October 9th, 2014, Midwest Pesticide Action Center celebrated our 20th anniversary with 150 friends at the legendary <a href="http://www.garfieldconservatory.org/" target="_blank">Garfield Park Conservatory</a>. The event raised nearly $18,000 to support our continued work of<span style="color: #222222;"> protecting people and the environment from harmful pesticides.</span>

Guests enjoyed the gorgeous greenhouse at the Conservatory, bites from sustainably minded Chicago eateries, craft beer by <a title="Revolution Brewing" href="http://revbrew.com/home" target="_blank">Revolution Brewing</a>, organic wine by <a title="Frey Vineyards" href="http://www.freywine.com/" target="_blank">Frey Vineyards</a>, a fantastic auction, and music &amp; square dancing with the <a href="http://goldenhorseranch.com/about/" target="_blank">Golden Horse Ranch Band</a>.

Those who attended the VIP hour experienced a private tour of the Conservatory, as well as farm-to-glass, seasonal cocktails by local distillers <a href="http://letherbee.com/" target="_blank">Letherbee</a> with fresh juices by the greatly anticipated <a title="Owen &amp; Alchemy" href="http://www.owenandalchemy.com/" target="_blank">Owen &amp; Alchemy</a> in the Conservatory’s enchanting outdoor gardens before the party opened to general admission attendees.

Our wonderful supporters bid in the <a title="Garden Gala online auction" href="http://www.32auctions.com/MPACGardenGala" target="_blank">auction</a> on fabulous packages including a private 4-course dinner for 12 by internationally acclaimed <a title="Chef Charles Webb" href="http://chefcharleswebb.com/" target="_blank">Chef Charles Webb</a>; a Green Garden makeover; a stay-cation at one of the city's newest and most unique hotels, <a title="Thompson Chicago" href="http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/thompson-chicago" target="_blank">Thompson Chicago</a>; and a Chef for a Day experience at <a title="Moto Restaurant" href="http://motorestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Moto Restaurant</a>.

The event featured delicious <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">vegan</span><span style="color: #222222;">, vegetarian, gluten-free, and meat options thanks to <a title="The Amazing Kale Burger" href="http://www.amazingkaleburger.com/" target="_blank">The Amazing Kale Burger</a>, <a title="Chop Shop" href="http://www.chopshopchi.com/" target="_blank">Chop Shop</a>, <a title="Pint" href="http://pintinseason.com/" target="_blank">Pint</a>, <a title="Sunda" href="http://sundachicago.com/" target="_blank">Sunda</a>, and <a title="Limelight Catering" href="http://www.limelightcatering.com/" target="_blank">Limelight Catering</a>.</span>

The award-winning Golden Horse Ranch Band played country and bluegrass tunes, taught guests how to do-si-do and promenade their way down Horticulture Hall. Once they were warmed up, award-winning DJ Tess closed out the night spinning old school jams and new popular tunes. <span style="color: #606060;"> </span>

For the past 20 years, Midwest Pesticide Action Center has been working at the local, state, and regional levels to protect people and the environment from the dangers of pesticides through advocacy, education, and outreach. Midwest Pesticide Action Center creates innovative programs that enable municipalities, low-income housing communities, park and school districts, childcare providers, landscapers, and homeowners to reduce indoor and outdoor pesticide use.

This party was produced in partnership with <a href="http://no-small-plans.com/#homepage" target="_blank">No Small Plans Productions</a>. Special thanks to <a title="The Spirited Gardener" href="http://www.spiritedgardener.com/" target="_blank">The Spirited Gardener</a> and <a title="Field and Florist" href="http://www.fieldandflorist.com/" target="_blank">Field &amp; Florist</a> for also sponsoring this event.