CREW Land & Water Trust will host the 2019 CREW Concert Under the Stars on Saturday, February 16 from 5-9 p.m. at Riverside Park, located at 10451 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.
This year’s concert will raise funds for the Dr. David R. Cooper Education Fund, named for the CREW Trust’s longest-serving volunteer, Dr. David Cooper, who passed away in May 2018. Many of the CREW Trust’s members, staff and volunteers spent time on the CREW Marsh Trails with Dr. Cooper, who was a self-taught volunteer naturalist.
“Dr. David was instrumental in introducing CREW to so many people and educating them on the value of this important watershed,” explained Brenda Brooks, Executive Director for CREW Land & Water Trust. “The education fund was established in 2014 and renamed in January 2018 to honor Dr. David and continue his passion for education. His legacy lives on through this fund, which provides support for our expanding education programs and provides resources used to teach students of all ages about the importance of preserving the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed.”
A truly unique artistic collaboration is the centerpiece of this year’s silent eco-auction. Lucas Century of Lucas Century Glass is working with CREW Trust member Dick Anderson to create a coffee table with a driftwood base topped with beveled glass sandblasted with images of swallow-tailed kites.
“Swallow-tailed kites have been a part of our logo for years,” noted Brooks. “These graceful birds return to Southwest Florida every year and many nest within the CREW Project. This is the first time we have worked with Lucas Century Glass and we are excited to see one of our favorite birds captured in this unique piece of art.” Other auction items include handcrafted bird boxes, private hikes and tours, sunset and shelling cruises and one-of-a-kind works of art.
High Voltage Band returns for this year’s concert, playing everything from Motown’s greatest hits to today’s Top 40 songs. High Voltage Band has played for the NFL Players Association, Panasonic, The Boston Red Sox, Toyota, The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Foundation, Hope for Haiti and more.
The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs will sell wine and a selection of craft beer from Momentum Brewhouse. Owner Brian Hahn is working to craft a unique brew in honor of CREW that will be served at the concert. Food vendors will also be on-site, including Cherie’s Sweet Treats.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit and enjoy the concert; dogs and outside food and drink will not be permitted.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and include access to the VIP café. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate; children 12 and under are free.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit crewtrust.org.
