The Nature Conservancy’s 13th Annual Hoochie on the Coochie Dinner Dance on April 20 Celebrates a New Season of Conservation in Georgia

Annual event raises much-needed funds for conservation activities throughout Georgia

Atlanta — Celebrate Earth Day early this year at The Nature Conservancy’s 13th annual Hoochie on the Coochie dinner dance on Friday, April 20, 2007, in Atlanta. A favorite spring event, the Hoochie on the Coochie is expected to raise more than $200,000 this year for conservation throughout Georgia.

“Twenty-five years ago, some 20 million people came together with a shared vision for a cleaner, healthier planet. Today, we keep the tradition of Earth Day alive in Atlanta with a festive dinner dance that raises much-needed funds so The Nature Conservancy can protect Georgia’s special places,” said Tavia McCuean, director of The Nature Conservancy in Georgia.

Chairing this year’s Hoochie on the Coochie are Susan and Charley Tarver and Nancy and Lindsay Thomas. The event will be held under the stars at Alexandra Park at the property of Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Cook Jr., on West Conway.

The Hoochie on the Coochie became known across the country when it was referenced as a question in the popular Trivial Pursuit game. This unique evening includes musical entertainment by the Swinging Richards, a birds of prey flight show and a silent auction with offerings of a variety of trips available to the highest bidder. Included in the auction are a weeklong stay in Manciano, Italy and a visit to The Nature Conservancy’s Bear Mountain Lodge in New Mexico.

Corporate sponsors and other supporters of the Hoochie on the Coochie dinner dance include Cox Enterprises, The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Power Company, Georgia-Pacific, AGL Resources, Blalock Lakes, CORO Realty Advisors, Forest Investment Associates, McKenna, Long and Aldridge and Southwire Company.

Sponsors of the event who made a contribution of $1,000 or more to The Nature Conservancy were invited to the Hoochie on the Coochie Patron Party held in March. Jane and Dameron Black, Patron Committee chairs, hosted the Patron Party in their Atlanta home.

“We are grateful to our team of dedicated volunteer leaders and our corporate contributors and members who continue to make this event even more successful year after year,” said McCuean.
Tickets for this year’s Hoochie on the Coochie event can be purchased through The Nature Conservancy for $100. Attire for the event is “blue jeans chic.” For more information about the Hoochie on the Coochie or other Conservancy events, please contact Mimi Bittick at (404) 253-7208 or mbittick@tnc.org.

About The Nature Conservancy in Georgia
As one of the leading land and water conservation organizations in the world, The Nature Conservancy is uniquely defined by its ability to protect and manage land at a global and local level. To date, The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 117 million acres in 28 countries.

Throughout its 38 year history of on-the-ground conservation work in Georgia, The Nature Conservancy has helped to protect more than 258,000 acres of longleaf pine forests, barrier islands, floodplain swamps, rock outcrops and other threatened natural areas throughout Georgia.

About The Nature Conservancy's Bear Mountain Lodge
Located in the heart of southwestern New Mexico, this bed and breakfast offers eleven richly furnished rooms, private baths, balcony views, handcrafted furniture and delicious meals. Guests can spend their days hiking, biking, birding among more than 300 kinds of birds or taking a tour of The Nature Conservancy's nearby Gila and Mimbres river nature preserves.