New York, N.Y.—The nation’s leading park advocacy organization, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), last night hosted a Green Carpet Gala on Ellis Island, in an effort to help support our national parks. Musical sensation Natalie Merchant performed before more than 650 guests, and NBC News Correspondent Tom Brokaw honored Steven A. Denning, Chairman, General Atlantic LLC and past Vice Chair and Board member for NPCA, for his outstanding leadership and commitment to protecting national parks nationwide.

“The evening was a spectacular event, celebrating our national parks and the importance of protecting our American treasures for our children and grandchildren to enjoy,” said NPCA Board Chairman and Bloomberg LLC Founding Partner Tom Secunda.  

NPCA’s Green Carpet Gala, complete with fireworks celebrating the Statue of Liberty’s 125th anniversary, brought  hundreds of dignitaries, including members of Congress, business leaders, the National Park Service, and regional national park supporters. Dinner attendees included Robert Catell, Alex Kerry, Lewis Bernard, Ned Lamont and Michael Kowalski. Co-Chairs included Marjorie and William Berkley, Janice and Robert F. Callahan, Melissa Vail and Norman Selby, and Caron and Alan Lacy.  Gala presenters also include NPCA Board Chair Tom Secunda and NPCA President Tom Kiernan.  This year, the Green Carpet Gala raised more than $2 million to support NPCA’s park protection work.

The honoree, Steven A. Denning, was recognized for playing a critical role in the creation and evolution of NPCA’s Center for Park Research (CPR). To date, CPR has conducted 80 comprehensive assessments on individual national parks across the country.  These assessments led to the recent release of The State of America's National Parks report.

“Our national parks are at a crossroads and we have a responsibility to ensure our American treasures are preserved and protected for the future,” said NPCA President Tom Kiernan.  “We applaud the great work of Steve Denning and look forward to working together to inspire others to join us in protecting these special places as we approach the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016.”

Denning has also been a strong proponent for NPCA to expand its vision beyond focusing on national park units,  to include a more systemic large-scale view, protecting entire landscapes from longer-term threats including climate change and encroaching development. 

From the Statue of Liberty in New York City to the Denali in Alaska, NPCA has worked for decades to protect America’s most iconic national treasures. 

About National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA): Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice of the American people in the fight to safeguard our National Park System. NPCA, its more than 600,000 members, supporters and partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for our children and grandchildren. For more information, visit: www.npca.org. 
                                              
*Gala photographs available upon request.*

###