Immediate Past President Karen Benfield (left) and current Board President Mike Yuan (right) on stage at the 2024 Fall Roost. Photo: Jennifer Gonzeles
Andrew Maas, Director of Marketing and Communications | October 7, 2024
On October 1, NYC Bird Alliance hosted its annual Fall Roost fundraiser at Tavern on the Green, bringing together conservationists, birders, and community leaders from across the City in support of our shared mission to connect all New Yorkers with biodiversity and inspire conservation action.
With Central Park as a backdrop, Fall Roost attendees enjoyed champagne and specialty cocktails provided by our friends at El Buho Mezcal, bountiful hors d'oeuvres, and frequent visits to the delicious dim sum and artisanal slider food stations. Attendees bid on a robust silent auction featuring coveted items and artwork, as well as unforgettable experiences such as a behind-the-scenes tour of the American Museum of Natural History’s Department of Ornithology and a stay at the legendary Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah.
Honoring Two Leaders in the Birding and Conservation Community
During the event, Executive Director Jessica Wilson presented Dr. Claude Bloch with the ‘Impact in Birding’ award, recognizing his enduring commitment to the birding community and steadfast support of NYC Bird Alliance's efforts to engage all New Yorkers—including the organization’s annual winter lecture series.
“Times have changed a bit for the birding community,” Jessica said during the presentation. “While the birding log in Central Park has given way to eBird checklists and WhatsApp groups, the spirit of connection and community remains strong in the park, especially in birders like Claude.”
We were also proud to honor Immediate Past Board President Karen Benfield for her visionary leadership from 2020-2024, guiding NYC Bird Alliance through challenging times and positioning it for future success. Current Board President Mike Yuan lauded Karen's contributions:
“Thank you Karen for showing me exactly what it takes to lead the board, and make us a worthy and supporting partner for Jessica and the incredible staff. In addition to furthering the mission of NYC Bird Alliance, you’ve taken the initiative to modernize and optimize how the board operates. Your tireless can-do attitude, patient and always-available guidance, and graceful demeanor, is truly an inspiration to me.”
Congratulations to Claude and Karen! Their leadership, passion, and tireless efforts are making the City a better place not just for birds, but for all New Yorkers. You can view the inspiring video tributes to Karen Benfield and to Dr. Claude Bloch on NYC Bird Alliance’s YouTube page.
An Incredible Night in Support of NYC’s Birds
The event was a smashing success, raising nearly $400,000 to fund NYC Bird Alliance’s efforts to protect birds and engage all New Yorkers. NYC Bird Alliance gives a heartfelt thanks to the Fall Roost’s generous supporters, including corporate sponsors Broadway Stages, LTD, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Brookfield Properties, Earthjustice, Bird Divert, Feather Friendly®, and Bird Collective. We’re also grateful to New York City Council Member Gale Brewer for gracing us with her presence at the event, showing her continued commitment to the wild birds of New York City.
If you missed the gala but still want to contribute to NYC Bird Alliance’s mission, you can still provide support: your gift will help NYC Bird Alliance expand its public engagement programs further to connect all New Yorkers with biodiversity!
