Friends and supporters of the Delaware Estuary will gather on October 2 when, on the banks of the Delaware River, thePartnership for the Delaware Estuarywill host its 10th annualExperience the Estuary Celebrationfrom 5 to 9 p.m. This fundraiser will once again take place inside the century-old power plant that is now the Wharf at Rivertown in Chester, Pennsylvania.

In all, more than 350 guests are expected to attend “A Blue Rendezvous for a Greener Tomorrow,” where highlights will include dinner by Max Hansen Caterer, silent and live auctions, and blues music by The Dukes of Destiny. Tickets are still available and the public is invited to attend.

More than 35 sponsors have stepped forward to help make this year’s gathering the most lucrative yet for the nonprofit National Estuary Program. Chief among these is Exelon Corporation, the parent company of PECO.

“We really wanted to show our support for the work that is being done in the Delaware Estuary,” said Celebration Chair, Helen Howes, who serves as vice president of environment, health and safety at Exelon. “At Exelon, the environment is very much part of our business strategy.”

Last year, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary raised a record $50,000 at this, its only annual fundraiser. This is money the tri-state nonprofit relies upon to supplement its research, restoration, and educational programs throughout the tidal Delaware River Basin in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

“I can’t help but feel proud when I think back on our first fundraiser,” said Lisa Wool, program director at the PDE who, in 1999, organized the first annual event. “What started as a silent auction for a few dozen people has since blossomed to become one of the largest networking opportunities in the region for environment-savvy professionals.”

Exelon, BP and Dupont are major sponsors for this special celebration.

To get your tickets to “A Blue Rendezvous for a Greener Tomorrow,” please call Elizabeth Horsey at 800-445-4935, extension 114. Prices range from $100 per individual to $225 per corporate representative.

For more information, visit thePartnership For The Delaware Estuary.

9/26/2008