Hundreds Celebrate Earth Day 2009 at The Nature Conservancy’s 15th Annual Hoochie on the Coochie

The Nature Conservancy's Annual Spring Fundraiser makes $285,000 for Conservation

ATLANTA— April, 29, 2009 — About 500 people gathered in Atlanta, in the floodplain of the mighty Chattahoochee River, on April 24, 2009, to attend The Nature Conservancy’s 15th annual Hoochie on the Coochie dinner dance, a fundraiser to celebrate conservation successes and to raise money to continue conservation work in the coming year.

With the support of volunteer organizers, The Nature Conservancy raised $285,000 for conservation work in Georgia.

More than $40,000 was raised from the silent auction, which included a one-week trip to the Conservancy’s Pine Butte Guest Ranch in Montana and a relaxing retreat to Georgia’s Little St. Simons Island.

“The Hoochie on the Coochie was just a great way to celebrate Earth Day 2009,” said Shelly Lakly, director of The Nature Conservancy in Georgia. “We are so grateful to the hundreds of members and friends who came out to support conservation in Georgia. And, of course, the event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of our volunteer leaders and corporate contributors.”

Chairing this year’s Hoochie on the Coochie were Loulie and Frank Reese and Merritt Dyke. This year’s event honored Susie and John Sherrill and celebrated John's 20 years of service to The Nature Conservancy.

Presenting Sponsors of the Hoochie on the Coochie were The Coca-Cola Company and Cox Enterprises. Click here for a full listing of corporate sponsors.

Patrons 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 on March 25 at Dean and Bronson Smith’s Atlanta home.

About the Hoochie on the Coochie
For 15 years, the Hoochie on the Coochie has been the highlight of springtime in Atlanta. Always festive, the event received national notoriety after it was referenced in a question in the popular Trivial Pursuit game. The thousands of people who have attended the Hoochie over the years have helped to raise nearly $3 million for conservation in Georgia.

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