River recreation enthusiasts, conservationists and leaders from across the state will gather to celebrate 20 years of river recreation and conservation through Paddle Georgia and champions critical to saving the Okefenokee Swamp at the Georgia Rivers Gala on September 18 at the Ivan Allen Family Meadow in Atlanta.

Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, old-fashioned fish fry, brief program, and live music by Rob Jordan & Friends.

The beautiful Ivan Allen Estate Meadow is located between two creeks near the Governor’s Mansion. Address provided with Gala ticket.

Event Chairs
Blain and Ivan Allen

Host Committee
Isham Colosetti, Bill Cox, Melissa and James Jernigan, Alan Kendall & Lizanne Stephenson, Dika Kuoh, Laura Madajewski, Lynn McIntyre, Tanya and Paul Murphy, Inman Porter, Alan Rothschild, Jack Spalding, Mark Wilson, Rhonda O’Gorman 

Celebrate Saving the Okefenokee Swamp

Georgia Rivers used science and advocacy to fight a proposed mineral mine on the edge of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge that could have dewatered the canoe trails and headwaters of the St. Marys and Suwannee Rivers.  Georgia Rivers played a key role in saving the swamp by lobbying at the Capitol, increasing public awareness, leading paddle trips on the canoe trails and connecting top donors to The Conservation Fund who purchased the potential mine site property from Twin Pines Minerals. 

“While raising the visibility of the Okefenokee with songs and movies and lobbying down at the Capitol is exciting, the most rewarding work is taking people boating on the Okefenokee Wilderness Canoe Trail and recruiting conservation buyers for protecting the swamp forever.” – Rena Ann Peck, executive director of Georgia Rivers.

The Georgia Rivers Gala will honor the 2025 Okefenokee champions influential in protecting the wild space for the next generation, including:  

• Okefenokee Swamp Park executive director Kim Bednarek will be honored for her work to nominate the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Andrew Schock and Stacy Funderburke of The Conservation Fund will be honored for achieving the historic conservation buyout of the Okefenokee Trail Ridge mine site. 
• Andrew Morse, president and publisher of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, will be honored for tenacious media coverage to protect the Okefenokee from mining threats.
• Congressman Billy Stuckey will be honored for designating the Okefenokee Wilderness.
• Swamper Rev. Antwon Nixon, founder and director of Sowing Seeds Outside the Walls, will be honored for leading local initiatives in Folkston.

The benefit will help fund efforts to protect the Okefenokee from future mining threats.

There remains unprotected land on Trail Ridge that is closer to the swamp and lower in elevation. Mining on this land would be even more hazardous to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Georgia Rivers will continue to advocate to protect the tens of thousands of acres on Trail Ridge that remain at risk.

Celebrate 20 Years of Paddle Georgia

For two decades, Paddle Georgia—our signature week-long paddling and camping adventure—has brought thousands of people together on Georgia rivers. This journey has not only connected participants to the beauty and importance of our waterways but has inspired of the strongest advocates for river recreation and conservation.

“When people are connected to our rivers, they care about them. And when they care about them, they protect them.” – Joe Cook, Paddle Georgia Founder

Ivan Allen Family Meadow

The Ivan Allen Family Meadow is a fitting backdrop for the Georgia Rivers Gala. The family estate near the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta is steeped in history and surrounded by creeks that serve as a reminder that water connects us all. 

2025 Corporate Champion: Primerica

Honor Muscogee Creek Culture

Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative (ONPPI) advocacy director Tracie Revis will be honored for her work to create Georgia’s first national park at the ancient Muscogee mounds along the Ocmulgee River. 

Kenneth Johnson, an acclaimed Muscogee/Seminole metalsmith, will display his bronze canoe paddle titled “Genesis”, along with a dugout canoe and other Muscogee Creek art. 

Enjoy Live Music with Rob Jordan and Friends

Atlanta musician Rob Jordan and his band will provide big vocals and high energy for dancing!

Enter our raffle for a chance to win a Crescent CK1 Kayak!

Donated by Murph’s Surf, the Crescent CK1 Venture is an 11 ft high-weight capacity throw-and-go kayak with an emphasis on paddling performance. The CK1 Venture model was designed to navigate a wide range of waterways with ease and versatility. 

Get raffle tickets for just $5!

All raffle proceeds support Georgia Water Trails and river conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code for the event?
Garden Party Attire. Think festive and elegant, but comfortable for an outdoor evening — sundresses, cocktail dresses, slacks, jeans, blazers, or sport coats. We recommend flat shoes or wedges as the event will take place on grass.

Where is the event?
The Gala will be held at the Ivan Allen Family Meadow near the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta. The full address and directions will be shared with registered guests closer to the event date.

When should I arrive at the Georgia Rivers Gala?

• 5:00 PM: VIPs and sponsors are invited to a special early reception.
• 6:00 PM: General check-in opens for all guests.

Where is parking and the event entrance?
Ample parking is available on the property. Guests arriving by Uber/Lyft or drop-off will be greeted at the property entrance, with golf carts and staff available to assist with transportation to the event area.

What will the evening include?
Cocktail reception, dinner buffet, awards program, live music, and dancing.

Is the event indoors or outdoors?
The Gala will take place outdoors under a tent at the Ivan Allen Family Meadow. Please dress comfortably for the weather.

What happens if it rains?
The Gala will be canceled in the event of rain. Tickets and sponsorships will be considered donations to Georgia River unless otherwise requested.

Is there assigned seating?
Yes. Sponsors and table purchasers will have reserved seating. Individual ticket holders will be seated at shared tables.

Do I need to bring my ticket to the event?
No. Simply check in at the welcome table by giving your name.

Is my event ticket tax-deductible?

• Individual tickets are not tax-deductible.
• Sponsorships are tax-deductible, minus the value of the tickets included at each level.

Georgia River Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: 58-2404112.

Will there be fundraising opportunities at the Gala?
Yes! The Gala is our largest fundraiser of the year, and we invite you to take part in these fun opportunities:

• Reverse Auction
  We’ll raise funds for youth scholarships to attend Paddle Georgia. The auctioneer will begin at a top scholarship level and work down to smaller amounts. Simply raise your hand at the level you’d like to support, and an attendant will provide you with a pledge card to complete and return at check-out.
• Live Auction
  Bid on unique items, including Muscogee art and special experiences. Winners may check out after the dinner program at the welcome table.

Raffle

• Win a Wave Sport Hydra 145 LV Kayak Crescent CK1 Kayak from Murph’s Surf! Tickets are just $5 each. The raffle drawing will be held during the Gala (you do not need to be present to win). A special second prize will be awarded to a guest who is in attendance.

What payment options are available?
We will accept credit cards, checks, and cash for all donations, auction items, and raffle tickets.