Sycamore’s online Birthday Party: What to expect

We’re excited to invite you and all our friends to Sycamore Land Trust’s 30th birthday party!

Maybe you got the postcard in the mail, or you learned about it through Facebook, Instagram, or e-news. You know you want to be a part of the celebration, but you’re not quite sure how we’re going to have a party online, right?

While our daily habits have changed quite a bit, navigating a time of quarantine and public health precautions doesn’t mean we can’t keep on doing the good work we’re doing and celebrating all that we’ve accomplished together! And we’ve thought of some really fun ways to do that while remaining safe yet connected.

What is the $30,000 Challenge Grant?

Conservation is successful when we all work together to realize our vision. We can’t do it without you! If you believe in what Sycamore is doing, we hope you’ll contribute what you can to help us continue this work.

To encourage the community to come together and support Sycamore’s work, a few friends of Sycamore are offering a challenge grant of $30,000 for Sycamore’s 30th birthday and asking each of you to pitch in to raise another $30,000. Will and Nancy Ditzler have given $20,000 and Barbara Restle has given $10,000.

To help us meet this challenge, buy your Birthday Party tickets today (sliding scale, $5 to $50 or more!) and consider making an extra contribution as you’re able. Every gift brings us closer to the goal, which will help the Sycamore community preserve more acres, restore more habitat, and connect more people to nature. Thank you!

What will it be like?

All about our community: The celebration is going to focus on everything that our members, volunteers, staff, and partners have accomplished together in the past year. You’ll see familiar faces, fellow supporters from near and far, nature preserves you love, and more.

Short and sweet: Nobody wants digital fatigue. We’ll keep the event fun, engaging, and under 45 minutes.

Easy technology: No matter your comfort level with technology and streaming, we’ll make it easy to access with lots of guidance. Every guest who signs up will receive a YouTube link to watch the video, which will start right at 7pm on October 24. All you’ll have to do is click the link to watch it on your computer, mobile device (smartphone or tablet), or even a Smart TV if you’re feeling savvy.

Come as you are: This will be fully livestreamed, meaning it won’t be like a Zoom meeting where you can see the other participants. You won’t be able to see guests streaming in from elsewhere, and they won’t be able to see you. Feel free to dress up or wear your jammies.

What’s on the program?

New Beanblossom Creek video: Beautiful drone footage and close-ups from Sycamore’s properties across the Beanblossom Creek conservation area, narrated by Taji Gibson to tell the story of the work we’ve done so far and where we’re going together

New footage: Our Environmental Education and Land Stewardship departments will be sharing slideshows with behind-the-scenes footage from all the work they’ve done in the past year

Staff Stories: each of our staff members are sharing

Masters of Ceremonies John and Linda Whikehart: Sycamore board member John Whikehart and his wife Linda will kick off the event and usher us through the various parts of the program. It’s worth it just to see these two whippersnappers onscreen!

Cupcakes: We’ve partnered with a dozen bakeries across central and southern Indiana for guests who want to enjoy cupcakes “together” at the end of the event. After buying your tickets, you’ll get a link to order a cupcake (or several!) through our website for $5 apiece. Pick them up at the bakery you chose on the morning of October 24. Orders must be placed by the evening of Friday, October 16. Pickup instructions and reminders will be sent!

What will my ticket donation be supporting?

Every dollar raised — through tickets and contributions to the challenge grant — will support Sycamore’s conservation and education work. As always, your support stays in southern Indiana and supports homegrown conservation. To learn more about Sycamore’s impact, check out our latest Impact Report, recent issues of The Twig, or our Beanblossom Creek Conservation Area page.