Growing Our Future

SSG Lacy "Mc" McDonald is joined by Kumu Michelle Pieper and Charles Cravalho. Hanai Kaiaulu is a program that engages and educates the community in food systems and community sustainability. It provides solutions that empower individuals to capture organic waste and retain it as a community and sustainable resource. It also supports the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities.

SSG Lacy "Mc" McDonald is joined by Te’Lario Watkins II and Te’Lario Watkins Sr. A Cub Scouts project sparked Te’Lario Watkins II's passion for growing mushrooms at just seven years old. What began as a small home experiment quickly flourished into a thriving business, earning Te’Lario Watkins II recognition as a entrepreneur, speaker, food advocate, and author. He is dedicated to fighting food insecurity, inspiring young entrepreneurs, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

SSG Lacy "Mc" McDonald is joined by Nicole Reese and Jae Flower. Our Space World has a mission to cooperatively educate, organize, and support squads of land stewards and Earth healers. They do this by helping systematically disadvantaged farmers, builders, healers, and educators attain sovereignty and sustainability. 

SSG Lacy "Mc" McDonald is joined by Hailey LeRand with Global Gardens Chicago. Global Gardens Chicago is a vacant lot turned into a productive garden growing fresh, organic vegetables for home consumption and sale. At Global Gardens Chicago, they believe that quality, fresh, and culturally-relevant food should be available to all. They take pride in making culturally accessible vegetables available to farmers and the community. 

SSG Lacy "Mc" McDonald is joined by David Cason (West Broad Street YMCA) and Ashton Ellis (Gardopia Gardens). The Y brings people together and nurtures potential by connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gaps in community needs and deliver positive change, and Gardopia Gardens aims to reduce obesity and malnutrition by increasing accessibility to fresh produce and implementing strategic intervention programming in schools, businesses, and community organizations. 

In this episode, we sit down with Larissa Leath and Saige Thomas to talk all things sustainable fashion, creativity, and community. Larissa and Saige share more about their backgrounds in fashion, media, and production, reflect on the success of last year’s sustainable fashion show at our 2025 Garden Awards Gala, and give us a sneak peek into what they are bringing back for this year’s celebration.They also share practical tips for building a more sustainable closet, from rethinking how we shop to giving new life to the pieces we already own. Whether you are a fashion lover, a sustainability advocate, or just looking for simple ways to make more mindful choices, this conversation is full of inspiration.Catch Larissa and Saige again at our 2026 Garden Awards Gala on Friday, May 29, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, where they will be helping bring our sustainable fashion show to life once again.Tickets are available now through Eventbrite. Get yours today and join us for an evening of awards, community, sustainability, fashion, and celebration.

SSG Lacy "Mc" McDonald is joined by Sister Terri Ali and Sister Tazar Gissentanner. They are part of Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, which sits on four acres of urban land located in the inner city of Atlanta, Georgia. The school's quarter-acre garden is managed by Sister Terri Ali, along with 18 volunteers and the student body.

SSG Lacy "Mc" McDonald is joined by Kris De la Torre and Aamar Khwaja. Kris De la Torre is with Cultivate Collective, which unites education, wellness, sustainability, and economic vitality to support holistic human development and drive meaningful, multi-generational impact. Aamar Khwaja is the founder of Modgarden. Their mission is to enable people to grow food with convenient, nature-inspired technology, all while delivering delicious and pure nutrition. 

SSG Lacy "Mc" McDonald is joined by Vickie Woodard of Melosong C.I.T.Y. and Sydney Futrell with Clayton Early Learning. Melosong C.I.T.Y., a community dedicated to growing healthy food sustainably, thrives on the passion and volunteer efforts of individuals who believe in nurturing our environment. Clayton Early Learning helps to drive action and create habits that allow our belief in the unlimited potential of young children to become a reality.

SSG Lacy “Mc” McDonald is joined by Janett Lewis with Rustic Roots Sanctuary. Her involvement in Spanish Lake began as a business investment but became a calling. She quickly fell in love with the land and the people, choosing to stay and pour her passion into the community. Janett developed programs to touch on all of her impact-driven passions — from sustainability to community development and youth engagement.

Stephen Lucke is joined by Project Sweetie Pie with Mr. Michael Chaney. Project Sweetie Pie works with neighborhood residents, non-profits of all sizes, universities, members of faith communities, friends, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and others to challenge the status quo. Project Sweetie Pie is the story of a city that came together and worked together on a common goal, for the common good of the youth and families of its community; for it takes a village to raise a child. We believe everyone lends a hand in achieving justice. We believe in co-creation and co-design and provide a supportive atmosphere where individuals work collaboratively as one team. 

Stephen Lucke is joined by Julius Buzzard with Growing Hope. Julius found his home in Ypsilanti in 2013, and never looked back. He spent the formative years of his career within the local nonprofit and education sectors and always created ways to tie his passion for growing and environmental justice into each context. Developing meaningful and intentional relationships with the community is at the core of everything Julius does—knowing that together, we can foster a safe, caring and just food system and community as a whole. Julius has lived a life with his hands in the dirt.

Check out this podcast from the @biggreen DAO 2024 Annual Conference 🌱Stephen Lucke is joined by Ivory Sambula. She works for Mo'Betta Green, a farmer's market in Denver, Co’s Historic Five Points. The initiative promotes wellness and urban farming. Listen to her story of how she got involved and how she created Elementals Creates!#sustainability #SanAntonio #GardopiaGardens #podcastepisode #BigGreenDAO

Stephen Lucke and SSG Lacy "Mc" McDonald are joined by Rebels in the Garden and Mo'Betta Green, Beverly Grant and James Grevious. Beverly Grant’s gift to her hometown is about more than a few plants, though. Born and raised in the area between Five Points and Park Hill, the Denverite has spent the past 11 years working to increase access to local, organic, and healthy food. Grant founded Mo’ Betta Green in 2010 as a farmers’ market and education and wellness platform; she now has three Seeds of Power Unity Farm sites spread across central Denver.#sustainability #SanAntonio #GardopiaGardens #podcastepisode #BigGreenDAO

Stephen Lucke and SSG Lacy "Mc" McDonald are joined by Catherine Burns, a story midwife and consultant, keynote speaker, and former artistic director at The Moth.#sustainability #SanAntonio #GardopiaGardens #TheMoth #podcastepisode #BigGreenDAO

Stephen Lucke is joined by Elinor Crescenzi and Ellie O’Bosky of Integrative Development Initiative, a nonprofit that highlights and affirms the importance of initiation and organized initiatives in bringing about a world that is more compassionate, harmonious, equitable, sustainable, healthy, and beautiful. They seek to engage the humanity of each person, empowering them as individuals and orienting them towards interdependence. #sustainability #SanAntonio #GardopiaGardens #IntegrativeDevelopmentInitiative #podcastepisode #BigGreenDAO

SSG. Lacy “Mac” MacDonald is joined by Paris Monaghan and Joseph Campos of Gardeneers. They work with Chicago’s South- and Westside schools and communities to contribute positively to the larger food system. They do this by supporting youth in their school garden and farm programs to build their own knowledge, skills, and habits to become leaders who care for themselves, their environment, and their communities.#sustainability #SanAntonio #GardopiaGardens #Gardeneers #podcastepisode #BigGreenDAO

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Stephen chats with Lilah Wheat, Gardopia Gardens' Education, Health, and Environment Intern and a senior at Trinity University. Lilah shares how her studies in anthropology shaped her curiosity about food systems and community wellbeing. Together, they explore her experiences at Gardopia Gardens, the lessons she's learned, and her vision for the future after graduation. Tune in for an inside look at what it's like to be part of the Gardopia internship experience! 

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Stephen is joined by John Fisher from Life Lab, an organization dedicated to garden-based learning and environmental education. John shares his journey of teaching children to connect with nature through hands-on experiences in the garden, fostering curiosity, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. They discuss the impact of outdoor learning on students’ understanding of science, sustainability, and healthy living. Tune in to hear John’s inspiring story and gain insights into how garden education can nurture both young minds and the planet. 

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Stephen sits down with Keianna “Kat” Cachora, Traditional and Nutritional Food Specialist at Hardin School District in Hardin, Montana. Kat shares how she weaves Indigenous food traditions into nutrition education, helping students connect cultural heritage with healthy eating habits. They discuss the importance of honoring ancestral knowledge, building a deeper understanding of food sources, and fostering respect for the land. Tune in to discover how Kat is inspiring the next generation to embrace wellness through a culturally rooted approach to nutrition. 

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Stephen is joined by Peter Davis, an urban farming educator, and Justin Malone, principal of Charlottesville High School in Virginia. Peter and Justin share how they collaborated to start a school garden, the challenges and successes they encountered, and how vital principal support is in building and sustaining such a program. They also explore the positive impact garden-based learning has on students, staff, and the broader school community. Tune in to hear their inspiring story and gain practical insights for growing a thriving school garden of your own.

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Stephen sits down with Alec Ferguson, co-founder of Armadillo Gardens—an urban farm rooted in the heart of San Antonio. Alec shares the story behind the farm he runs with his wife, Valerie, and their mission to reconnect city life with the natural world.They dive into the importance of urban farming, the role of farmers markets in building community, and why having access to fresh, local produce matters now more than ever. Tune in to explore how plants, food, and place all come together at Armadillo Gardens.

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, our host Stephen is joined by Gina Ortiz Jones, Former United States Under Secretary of the Air Force and current candidate for Mayor of San Antonio. Gina reflects on her time in the military and how it shaped her leadership values, public service mindset, and deep commitment to the people of San Antonio.Gina shares her vision for a more equitable, sustainable, and forward-thinking city. Tune in to hear how her lived experiences and bold ideas could help shape the future of San Antonio—and what it means to lead with both courage and compassion.Whether you're a longtime resident or just curious about the future of our city, this episode offers an inspiring look into what’s possible when leadership is rooted in service.

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Stephen is joined by Cydny Bagley, the winner of last year’s Spring Grow-A-Thon. Cydny shares her winning journey, from the challenges she faced to the creative strategies she used to grow a thriving garden. Her passion for sustainable gardening and her experience in the competition offer inspiration and valuable tips for anyone looking to take their gardening skills to the next level.With this year’s Spring Grow-A-Thon just around the corner, Cydny’s story is a perfect reminder of what’s possible with a little determination and the right gardening practices. If you’re ready to get your hands dirty, connect with the gardening community, and have a chance to win big, be sure to sign up for this year’s competition! Tune in to hear how you can join the fun, grow with us, and make your garden the best it’s ever been.

 In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Stephen is joined by Patty Ward, co-owner of Sow Right Seeds. Patty shares the inspiring story behind how she and her husband launched their family-owned seed company in Greenwood, Missouri, just before the pandemic hit. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of growing their business during uncertain times, the importance of starting your garden with high-quality, sustainably sourced, and open-pollinated seeds, and the best practices for saving and storing seeds for future seasons. Tune in to learn more about their passion for gardening and how their seeds can help you cultivate a sustainable, thriving garden. 

In this Episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Stephen sits down with Tanner Freeman, the creator of our Gardopia Logo! 

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Stephen is joined by Nadia Gaona and J'Shcarla Adkins to explore the incredible initiatives and impactful work being led by SA Metro Health across San Antonio. Tune in to learn about their innovative projects and the positive changes they’re driving in the community.

In this two-part Episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Stephen sits down with Sylvain & Sarah Clavieres of Talking Tree Farms. As they discuss soil health, homesteading, and urban agriculture.Make sure to check out Talking Tree Farms on Instagram!

In this two-part Episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Stephen sits down with Sylvain & Sarah Clavieres of Talking Tree Farms. As they discuss soil health, homesteading, and urban agriculture.Make sure to check out Talking Tree Farms on Instagram!

In this Episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Stephen sits down with Skeets, a member of the Mushroom Compadres, a group of farmers building a farm in the Algarve region of Portugal. They discuss their mentality regarding climate change, the climate and challenges of growing in Portugal, and what keeps them motivated to move forward. Make sure to check out the Mushroom Compadres on YouTube and Instagram!

In this episode Stephen sits down with William Abbott, former intern at Gardopia Gardens and a senior at Trinity University. They discuss William's progression as an environmentalist, what work he did at Gardopia, and what his plans after graduation are. Enjoy the episode!

In this special episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Stephen sits down with Angeles Mendez, a 2023 Aspen Healthy Communities Fellow, and the Regional Manager for Project Protect Food Systems. Stephen and Angeles discuss, being Aspen Fellows,  the current landscape for agricultural workers, and Angeles' work to improve rights for workers. Enjoy the episode!

In this special episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Stephen sits down with Jamar Hill, 2023 Aspen Healthy Communities Fellow, former professional MLB player, and current President of Gamers Alaska, a nonprofit organization committed to connecting youth baseball and softball players to leagues, coaching, and training resources. Stephen and Jamar discuss their brief history together, how Jamar frames Gamers Alaska as more than a sports program, and the intangible benefits of sports.

In this episode of Growing our Future, Stephen sits down with Inna Gamez and discusses her gardening journey and shares tips she's learned over the years.Inna is a social media influencer that posts regular content about her garden. She's a brand ambassador for Vego Garden Academy. Inna recounts her early gardening days in Ukraine and describes just how different farming in Ukraine is compared to sunny San Antonio. Listen in to hear more about Inna's story!Thanks again to Inna for joining us for this episode! Be sure to check out her Instagram: @gardens_better_with_cats ! 

In this thought-provoking episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast our host and CEO Stephen Lucke engages in a candid conversation with esteemed researcher Kristopher Hawkins, shedding light on the methodologies of animal testing and their role in ensuring safe food production.As the demand for food continues to grow, the need for innovative techniques to enhance food safety has become paramount. Kristopher has extensive research in this field, and shares his knowledge about methodologies and his experience working with different animals including flies, pigs, fleas, and howler monkeys. Kristopher dives into his early academic career at St. Philip's college, interning at Gardopia, and receiving his bachelors of science in horticultural science at Texas A&M University. Thanks again to Kristopher for joining the Growing Our Future Podcast! Be sure to check out Kristopher's work through his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-hawkins-70836862/#sustainability #climateaction #podcastepisode #SanAntonio #GardopiaGardens #EcoScholars

Our newest episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast is now live! 🎧🎙️ In this episode, our CEO Stephen Lucke sits down with Michelle Garza, Planning Coordinator for San Antonio River Authority, and Melissa Bryant, Director of Technical Services, to discuss the current state of San Antonio rivers, what SARA is doing to help, and what we can do as citizens to help keep our rivers clean. Michelle and Melissa discuss their recent projects, trash in the river, and reducing flooding risks from storms and climate change. For more information about SARA, we recommend checking out their website at: https://www.sariverauthority.org/#sustainability #climateaction #podcastepisode #SanAntonio #GardopiaGardens #EcoScholars

Excited to announce the latest episode of our podcast is LIVE! 🎧🎙️ In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation with Douglas Melnick, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Julia Murphy, Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer, from the City of San Antonio's Office of Sustainability. 💚🌱Learn all about the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, its innovative EcoScholars Grant Program, and their efforts to create a more sustainable future for our community. 🌎🌿Tune in now to hear Stephen Lucke, CEO of Gardopia Gardens, as he delves into the City's sustainability initiatives and gets expert insights from these sustainability leaders. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! 🌍🎤 You can learn more about the City of San Antonio's Sustainability Efforts athttps://www.sasustainability.com/home#sustainability #climateaction #podcastepisode #SanAntonio #GardopiaGardens #EcoScholars

The Growing Our Future Podcast welcomes Dr. Daniel Murray of Vanguard Chiropractic.Host Stephen Lucke sits down with Dr. Murray to discuss his story surrounding chiropractics, gardening, the plant-based diet, and even Earthships!As a former Special Education Teacher, Dr. Murray has a big heart for education and community engagement. When furthering his studies in nutrition, he was astonished by the world of chiropractics, healthy eating, positive lifestyle choices, and their overall impact on our wellness. This is an episode you won't want to miss!You can learn more about Vanguard Chiropractic at https://thechiropractor.sa.com/A special thank you to Appetite For Change for launching the Podcast's intro and outro song, "Grow Food"!

The Growing Out Future Podcast welcomes Emily Jamieson & Nadia Kern from Trinity University.Hosts Stephen Lucke and Dominic Dominguez sit down with Nadia and Emily to discuss their experiences working alongside Gardopia Gardens this summer as part of the Trinity University in ALE Internship Program.From installing a wifi irrigation system, teaching environmental education to youth, maintaining multiple garden locations in San Antonio, and even harvesting honey, Nadia and Emily excelled in growing healthier communities through garden-based learning.You can learn more about the sustainability efforts happening at Trinity University by visitinghttps://www.trinity.edu/directory/departments-offices/sustainabilityA special thank you to Appetite For Change for launching the Podcast's new intro and outro song, "Grow Food"!

The Growing Out Future Podcast welcomes Victoria and Brennan with Community First Health Plans.Host Stephen Lucke and Special Guests discuss the importance of healthcare coverage: accessibility, education, and localized engagement of Community First Health Plans as they advocate for a healthier community.From food pantries, plant-based diets, nutrition, social determinates of health, and more, the trio takes a deep dive into the many challenges and solutions in the ongoing journey towards a healthier future.You can learn more about Community First Health Plans at https://communityfirsthealthplans.com/Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/communityfirsthealthplans/Instagram @cfhealthplansA special thank you to Appetite For Change for launching the Podcast's new intro and outro song, "Grow Food"!

The Growing Out Future Podcast welcomes Kim Aman, Founder of Grow Garden Grow.The story of Grow Garden Grow resonates with the successes, challenges, and growths encountered across the world when advocating for high-impact garden-based learning programs within schools for the benefit of our young people and families. Farmer Kim Aman, Founder of Grow Garden Grow, inspires our listeners to dig deeper into the school garden movement as she reflects on the implications of starting a garden-centric organization, showing resiliency during COVID-19, and advocating for healthier lives through garden education!Host, Dominic,  and Special Guest, Kim, are also joined by Andres Narvaez, Board Chair of Gardopia Gardens. Together they explore the synchronicities between Gardopia Gardens, the San Antonio-based nonprofit, and Grow Garden Grow, located in Dallas, Texas.You can learn more about Grow Garden Grow at https://growgardengrow.org/Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GrowGardenGrow/Instagram @grow_garden_growA special thank you to Appetite For Change for launching the Podcast's new intro and outro song, "Grow Food"!

The Growing Our Future Podcast welcomes Brandon Kirby with Rainbow Gardens, a local family-owned nursery in San Antonio, Texas. Rainbow Gardens is one of the most seasoned nurseries in San Antonio, providing an array of vegetative selections to the area public for decades. Brandon recalls the inception of Rainbow Gardens, the dedication and lineage of his father, Frank Kirby, and Business Partner, George Beere. The story of Rainbow Garden begins in 1976 and progresses well into the current and future! This is a tale of successes, challenges, insights, and passion for operating a family-owned nursery that prides itself on servicing the Greater Bexar County Area with the most updated information and plant selections.Host, Stephen Lucke, and Brandon take deep dive into the history of Rainbow Gardens, the advocation and importance of gardening for healthier communities, perceptions of gardening before / during the pandemic, and the necessity of education for successful gardens.You can learn more about Rainbow Gardens at https://www.rainbowgardens.biz/Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rainbowgardens.biz/ Instagram @rainbowgardenstx

The Growing Our Future Podcast welcomes Dr. Benjamin Miele with the University of the Incarnate Word and Jonathan Molineaux with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration as we discuss Ecosystem Services.Ecosystem Services are the direct and indirect benefits that ecosystems provide humans. Agroecosystems, rangelands, and forests provide suites of ecosystem services that support and sustain human livelihoods.Dr. Miele, Jonathan, and Dominic discuss preservation, urban form, landscape, and equity in regards to ecosystem services and the many benefits the environment contributes to people, the economy, and more.As the population continues to scale and land becomes an ever-increasing commodity, the obligation for protected resources aligns with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals to include Goal #13: Climate Action, Goal: #14 Life Below Water, and Goal #15:Life on Land.This podcast is an exert recorded from the Gardopia Garden's 2022 Food & Nature Education Conference, held on January 15th, 2022.

Gardopia Gardens welcomes Daniel Nelson,  CEO of Grow Computer to the Growing Our Future Podcast!In this episode, Stephen Lucke, CEO of Gardopia Gardens, and Daniel take a deep dive into the world of the present and future of smart technologies in agriculture. Plant/soil/humidity monitoring, streamlined smartphone controls, data clouds, emerging hardware, fostering global community connections, and more, if you're ready to hear the intricacies of developing technology in growing, this is a podcast that you don't want to miss!To get in touch with Daniel, you can reach him and the team at www.growcomputer.io or follow them on Instagram @growcomputer

Gardopia Gardens welcomes Alex Aleman, Educator at Luther Burbank High School in San Antonio, Texas.Gardopia Gardens hosts, COO, Dominic Dominguez, and Board Member, Defranco Sarabia hear the incredible story of Alex Aleman and his efforts of empowering youth using hydroponics.The implications of Covid-19 and Winter Storm Uri urged Alex to research and build his very first hydroponic grow space. This was just the beginning, as Alex's calling progressed him to start a hydroponics system at Burbank High School.Amid times of food insecurity and differentiated online/in-person learning in the school systems, Alex's story is that of resiliency, growth, opportunity, and innovation for him and his students.You can reach Alex at on Instagram: @le_plantfessor

Gardopia Gardens welcomes Jonathan Molineaux, Fisheries Biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the Growing Our Future Podcast!Join our host, CEO, Stephen Lucke, and co-host, COO, Dominic Dominguez, as they take a deep dive with Jonathan to explore multiple facets of conversation and sustainability. Jonathan provides supplemental information on the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, ArcGIS Metadata innovations, and Ecosystem Services in conservation, and much more!From land usage, policy creation, cultural awareness, and advocacy, this segment is nothing short of an information-packed episode!

Ever wonder how Gardopia Gardens got started? Well tune in with the founders! Stephen, Dom, Aj, and Leon dig back into the soil of what grew the educational based non-profit we know today.  Experience the atmosphere of what it was like in the beginning times and hang come out with us! Big thanks to VodPod for allowing us to record this podcast 

Come listen in and learn about the path our COO Dominic Dominguez took that led him to Gardopia and his discovery of different food systems around the world! Interviewed by our CEO Stephen Lucke, this conversation ignites sparks as we talk about the frameworks of sustainability, food mileage, urban development, and hints to what Gardopia Garden's visions for the future entail. Dom plants the seed of change when he discusses triple net-zero and regenerative design. Deepening into those subjects, they explain how we can change our personal lifestyles, programs, and city policies to helps us make decisions that are socially, economically, and environmentally bearable. "If we don"t value it how are we going to manifest it? Linkshttps://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.3069430https://www.greencitytimes.com/recycling-in-curitiba/http://www.ggtrust.com/currency/curitiba-bus-tokens-and-garbage/Big thanks to VodPod for the contribution to this podcast. 

In today's Podcast, Shirley Parodi, Garden-Based Learning Advocate and Sustainable Design Educator sits down with Gardopia Gardens Staff and Board Chair.Leveraging its 5 years of garden-based learning impact in the Greater Bexar County Area, the group discusses the Gardopia Gardens’ first-ever Garden Awards Gala, a signature fundraising event, honoring the extraordinary urban agriculture individuals and organizations that make San Antonio a greener and healthier place to work, live, and play.The Gardens Awards Gala will take place at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens on June 30 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The event includes entertainment, food, beverage, keystone speakers, and a silent auction.