This November, BRSI celebrated three years of bringing Knowledge Into Action with an evening of festivities at the historic Sherrill’s Inn in rural Fairview.  Over 100 supporters braved near-freezing temperatures to be in attendance, making the event a huge success and a testament to the growing presence of an eco-minded, action-oriented community in Western North Carolina.

Music for the event was graciously provided by Southern Exposure Sustainable Stringband, whose blue grass renditions of classic Americana songs lent an old time southern feel to the gathering.  When they’re not entertaining, each of the band members is a professional in the field of sustainability, from biofuels to green building.  We were thrilled to have the support of this talented and forward-thinking group of musicians!

Guests enjoyed local offerings from some of the area’s best restaurants, all participants of BRSI’s Energy Upfit Campaign to put Asheville on the map as a leader in sustainable business practices.  Many thanks to the following restaurants for their contributions to this year’s annual celebration: Posana, Tupelo Honey, NeoCantina, The Green Sage, Rosetta’s, French Broad Chocolate Lounge, The Corner Kitchen, and Homegrown.

In the evening’s keynote speech, BRSI Executive Director John Stevens spoke on the importance of an integrative approach to addressing present and emerging challenges, wherein collaboration and community partnership are fundamental components in our efforts to bridge the divide between theory and practical application.  He touched on several of BRSI’s current initiatives to illustrate the wide variety of programs and projects in development, and he encouraged all those interested in learning more to reach out and get involved!

In closing, John launched the 2012 Friends of BRSI Campaign, a simple and effective way to promote sustainability in our region for generations to come.  Become a Friend of BRSI today for just $25.

The evening would not have been possible without so many generous donors and volunteers.  Evelyn Zebro’s arrangements of flowers donated by EarthFare and Flying Cloud Farm brought even more warmth and charm to the Inn and made for a most idillic setting.  Thank you!

Katie Cavert would like to personally thank Sherry Vaughn, Jordan Elaine, Alyssa Sacora, Jonathan Gach, Tim Sadler, Ben Colvin, Sallie Gadinni-Stevens, John Stevens, Evelyn Zebro, Tim Ballard, Tiffany New and John and Annie Ager. Not only did John and Annie Ager host the event at their home, they also helped with building the fires, providing vases and taking care of small details throughout the night.

We held an almost “Zero Waste” event thanks to the planning and dedication of everyone involved!  A special thanks goes to Ben Colvin of Wild South who stayed late, sorted the trash out, and took the recycling and composting bags to Danny’s Dumpster, a local and sustainable waste management option.

We’re already planning next year’s celebration.  Don’t miss it!

Some comments from celebration goers:

“Thanks for a great evening ” 

“Awesome!”

“I thought the celebration held last evening at the old Sherrill Inn home was a wonderful time. The folks seemed to really enjoy themselves and the food was terrific. John and Annie Ager are such gracious hosts and so generous in making their home available to such good causes like BRSI.”

Some photos from the evening: