An unforgettable night at the 2024 Boundary Waters Gala

Thank you for a successful 2024 Boundary Waters Gala!

On May 2, 2024, nearly 500 Wilderness supporters joined us for our annual Boundary Waters Gala at Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis to celebrate and fundraise for the protection of this spectacular Wilderness.

The room was brimming with local, regional, and national businesses, conservation and outdoor access partners, youth, and passionate individuals at our extraordinary record-breaking event. Surrounded by so many who share our deep commitment to protecting this breathtaking landscape, we are reminded of the power of the Boundary Waters community and the strength of our movement to achieve permanent protection. The evening was the highest-attended Save the Boundary Waters gala, with over $340,000 raised to support the ongoing fight for the permanent protection of our nation’s Canoe Country.

The evening featured as keynote speaker Olympic gold medalist and World Champion cross-country skier Jessie Diggins and guest speaker U.S. Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning. Their passion for protecting special places like the Boundary Waters inspired us all.

“Most people don't know this, but I would not have a gold medal if it weren't for the trips to the Boundary Waters that my parents took me on as a kid (as well as the very obvious learning how to ski - starting off in my dad's backpack) but those trips really formed who I am today." Jessie Diggins said. “When I got a little bit older, and I started really falling in love with skiing as well, I took all those lessons that we learned in the Boundary Waters because those trips really shaped me in very important ways.”

Director Stone-Manning eloquently captured why the Boundary Waters is so vital: "We have few places left where we can find solitude, amidst the bustle and clamor of daily life. So few places where we can go and feel the enormity of nature of the universe. There's nothing like canoeing through the Boundary Waters to provide that experience."

Stone-Manning expressed gratitude for the recent 20-year federal mining ban in the Boundary Waters headwaters, stating "I was so grateful to be a part of the decision to withdraw more than 225,000 acres within the Superior National Forest from mineral leasing for 20 years…. We have an obligation to pass on healthy rangelands, wildlife habitat, clean water, the promise of productive lands, to future generations, we have an obligation to protect our very best lands and waters like the Boundary Waters and to restore lands and waters that need it. That's our commitment to all of you."

These powerful words encapsulate why we are in this fight - to safeguard the Boundary Waters' pristine waters, wildlife, and boreal forests for future generations. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us and made this an evening to remember. Your support means everything as we continue advocating for permanent protection of this extraordinary Wilderness.

Thank you to all the sponsors, partners, speakers, attendees, supporters, and planning team for making this year’s Boundary Waters Gala a huge success! We will continue to fight against anti-Boundary Waters forces thanks to your support and look forward to celebrating our achievements towards protecting this Wilderness forever. 
 

If you didn’t get a chance attend there is still time to join us by making a gift today.

Photos by Nicholas J. Narog Photography and Keith Miesel Photography