The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The Nature Conservancy’s 16th annual spring fundraising event, The Hoochie dinner dance, celebrated recent conservation successes in Georgia while raising funds for conservation work throughout the state.

With the support of volunteer organizers, this year’s event sold out and The Nature Conservancy raised close to $330,000 for conservation work, exceeding its goal by $30,000.

“The Hoochie is an opportunity for us to pause each year during the splendor of spring to remember how Georgia’s working rivers, storied forests and envied coast support us all,” said Shelly Lakly, Ph.D., state director for The Nature Conservancy in Georgia. “From industry and agriculture to recreation, we depend on our natural resources, and the Hoochie helps us share and raise support for our work to safeguard our natural heritage for people, plants and animals.”

This unique evening included musical entertainment, a birds of prey flight show and a silent auction with offerings of a variety of trips available to the highest bidder. The auction included a visit to The Nature Conservancy’s legendary Pine Butte Guest Ranch in Montana. 

The Nature Conservancy in Georgia was especially honored this year to have Hank Paulson, former Secretary of the Treasury, and his wife Wendy as honorary event chairs.

“Wendy and I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with The Nature Conservancy and people like the supporters of the Hoochie to focus on conservation,” said Hank Paulson.

The Paulsons have a long history with The Conservancy. An environmental educator and naturalist, Wendy is former vice-chairman of The Nature Conservancy’s national board and has served as board chairman of the Illinois and New York state chapters. Hank served as Chairman of The Nature Conservancy’s national board and as co-chair of the Asia Pacific Council prior to his position as Secretary of the Treasury.

Cox Enterprises and Georgia-Pacific were this year’s presenting sponsors.Other sponsors include Perkins+Will, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AGL Resources, Georgia Power and The Coca-Cola Company.

Event patrons and corporate sponsors were invited to the patron party earlier in the evening. Jennifer and Martin Flanagan hosted the patron party in their Atlanta home.

For more information about events and volunteer opportunities with The Nature Conservancy in Georgia, please visit nature.org/georgia or call (404) 873-6946.