CLF Advocates Society: ten years of engaging, encouraging and recognizing our most generous annual fund supporters.

• Author: Daniel, Abbie
• Position: Conservation Law Foundation

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When CLF launched the Advocates Society in the fall of 1997, 14 members, led by the late Richard S. Emmet, joined together to bring energy, imagination and strong volunteer leadership to guide the creation of a new CLF giving society. It was hoped that this special group of donors who had chosen to support CLF with a gift of $1,000 or more would grow and strengthen into a larger community of givers. By reaching out to other donors, these sponsors guided the program's development and inspired others to join.

Today, the number of Advocates Society donors has grown to nearly 300 members who annually raise over one million dollars for CLF. These invaluable contributions have played a substantial role in helping CLF win legal victories for clean water, healthy forests, ocean conservation, sustainable energy and our overall shared vision of vibrant communities supported by a thriving, healthy environment.

Rhode Island Advisory Board member Peggy Sharpe is one of CLF's greatest Advocates Society champions. Peggy and her husband Hank were on hand for the formation of the giving society and served as sponsors in bringing it to life Peggy says the annual gatherings of Advocates Society members play an integral part in supporting a community of givers, noting "it's not just an event...