To offer free admission for most of our events, we seek financial support. It takes more than $100,000 to bring the Festival to life each year.
This is the moment to…thank a few of our sponsors who help make it all happen! These groups are passionately committed to community and environment and are working to make our lives healthier and more sustainable every day.
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium sparks compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world. Home to 32,000 aquatic animals representing 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the globe, Shedd is a recognized leader in animal care, conservation education and research. An accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the first U.S. aquarium awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals by American Humane, Shedd is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, and supported by the people of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Park District.
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a results-based conservation organization working in 72 countries and every U.S. state. Founded in 1951, the organization utilizes science-based strategies to address critical environmental issues such as climate change, energy, water, food, and infrastructure development. The Conservancy envisions a world where both nature and people thrive — where population growth is balanced with sustainable decisions that ensure the natural resources we depend on are sustained now and for future generations.
Swati Saxena - Baird and Warner
Swati Saxena is Your Trusted Real Estate Resource in Oak Park/River Forest and beyond. Her passion is helping people by providing the information and resources they need to manage their homes, which are their biggest financial assets! Swati is deeply committed to the community and the environment. She's an enthusiastic vegan (and loves giving food and restaurant recommendations!) and an electric-car owner. Swati lives in Oak Park with her spouse and new rescue-dog, Kona.
Food and Water Watch
Food & Water Watch champions healthy food and clean water for all. We stand up to corporations that put profits before people, and advocate for a democracy that improves people’s lives and protects our environment. We are working to create a healthy future for our families and for generations to come—a world where all people have the resources they need, including wholesome food, clean water and sustainable energy.
Downtown Oak Park
Downtown Oak Park offers an exceptional array of stores and restaurants, including one-of-a-kind boutiques and an impressive mix of ethnic cuisines that will delight every personality, schedule and budget. A classic seven-screen movie theater and an exciting year-round schedule of special events make Downtown Oak Park a unique experience. Visit downtownoakpark.net for business directories, event dates & more.
Edward Jones
Edward Jones is a different kind of investment firm. Face time and think time make sense. We meet with you, learn your individual needs, develop a strategy and help you achieve your long-term financial goals. Whether you want to plan for retirement, save for college or ensure you have income to cover your expenses, you can expect personalized service and long-term investing strategies instead of the latest investment fads. Contact me today to help develop an investment strategy that makes sense for you and your values.
Green America
Green America’s mission is to harness economic power — the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace —— to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. For 35 years, Green America has used economic strategies to build the green marketplace, stop egregious corporate social and environmental practices, help millions of people green their lives and purchases, and create a future powered by clean energy, organic agriculture, responsible finance, and fair labor for all.
Sierra Club - Chicago Group
Founded by John Muir in 1892, the Sierra Club works to protect communities, conserve wild places, and explore nature. The Chicago Sierra Club is 7,500 members strong — a friendly, welcoming group of local activists, environmentalists and explorers. Join us as we raise awareness of environmental issues, empower citizens through electoral campaigns and build community through fun and meaningful social events and experiences.
Three Queens Organic / Headwater Farm, LLC
Three Queens Organic started as a way to save a heritage farm from being subdivided. The 184-acre farm outside of Westby, Wis., has been farmed since the original Norwegian settlers came to the region. Early each Spring we tap our 1,000 trees, and for a few short weeks the sap runs and is turned into syrup.
WBEZ
WBEZ 91.5 is Chicagoland’s premier media hub for high quality, fact-based journalism and engaging, entertaining audio programs and podcasts. WBEZ’s award-winning investigative journalists ask tough questions, dig deep for answers and expose truths that spark change. WBEZ Chicago is home to two daily local programs, The Morning Shift and Worldview, and a growing portfolio of popular podcasts, including Nerdette, Sound Opinions, and Making Oprah. WBEZ Chicago also co-produces the ground-breaking and nationally-acclaimed programs This American Life, Serial, and Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me! WBEZ Chicago is owned and operated by Chicago Public Media.