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"Into the Woods" Celebration in Asheville on April 21 at Crest Center

Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition's benefit and celebration helps to protect local forests.

Earth Day is on April 22.

So get a one-day jump on Earth Day this year by getting "Into the Woods," at the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition’s third annual celebration and silent auction on Friday, April 21, 2006, at 6 p.m. at the Crest Center in Asheville. This special event will feature live music from the Greasy Beans.

"Into the Woods" includes food, organic wine, locally brewed beer, live music, and a silent auction.

“Now more than ever, our community is stepping up to protect public land and this event is an easy and fun way to support the Coalition’s work,” said Nikki Smathers of the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition.

Last year’s event raised more than $10,000 to help protect forests in the region. “This year’s event is going to be bigger and better,” said Smathers.   

Where Your Money Goes
All proceeds from Into the Woods will benefit the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition (SAFC), a group of 22 of the leading public lands conservation groups spanning the six states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Recent Accomplishments
Some of the Coalition’s recent accomplishments include introduced legislation that will permanently protect over 55,000 acres of Wilderness in Virginia; discovering, mapping, and campaigning for the protection of over 111,000 acres of previously undocumented old-growth forests in the Southern Appalachians; and defending over 728,000 acres of pristine roadless forests in our region.

Silent Auction
Into the Woods’ popular silent auction features something for everyone - with over 150 items.  Past years included spa passes from the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, yoga lessons from Cindy Dollar, pottery by renowned Western North Carolina artists like Leftwich and Yummy Muddle Puddle, a Clinch Mountain Garden House weekend getaway, Orange Peel and Asheville Symphony concert tickets, a one-of-a-kind “tree of life” necklace by dORY, outdoor gear by Patagonia, a Hot Springs getaway and soak, a mountain bike from Hearn’s Cycling, and much more. Don’t miss out on capturing some of these wonderful items – all for a great cause!

Benefit Sponsors
This SAFC event is sponsored by Prestige Subaru, WLOS-TV, FedEx/Kinko’s, The Crest Center, New Morning Gallery, Greenlife Grocery, and others.

More Info
Visit the Forest Coalition’s website at www.SAFC.org for more information and an updated list of sponsors and auction items. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased in advance by calling 828-252-9223 or emailing safc@safc.org. 

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