After almost thirty years and more than 40,000 trees planted citywide in San Francisco, Friends of the Urban Forest celebrated local environmental stewardship with a green glitterati-studded “San Francisco Grown” event at Green’s Restaurant on Sunday, April 27, sponsored by eSurance and Bently Holdings.

Event Hosts Cassandra Richardson & Monica Maduro

Guests were treated to culinary delights from Executive Chef Annie Somerville, award-winning wine flights, LIVE Green Tea Energy Drink, and a special acoustic performance by local musician Chris Clouse.

Friends of the Urban Forest is a non-profit organization committed to the belief that trees are a critical element of a liveable urban environment. Since 1981, the mission of Friends of the Urban Forest is to promote a larger, healthier urban forest as part of the urban ecosystem, through community planting, maintenance, education and advocacy.

Event sponsors Christopher and Amber Marie Bently of Bently Holdings

Former Board President Elizabeth Westover with new President Mike Marshall

Now, FUF has partnered with an impressive lineup of corporate sponsors including eSurance, Bently Holdings, and New Resource Bank in order to throw a lavish first annual event to celebrate the achievements and shared vision of two homegrown Green pioneers for an eco-soiree, titled “San Francisco Grown”.

CR Lipton, Mireille Schwartz and Glenn McCoy

Sergey Shaparov, Clara Shayevich with Cameron Noble of TV20

In-kind gifts generously donated by San Francisco Zoo, TV20/Cable 13, and LIVE Green Tea Energy Drink rounded out the celebration.

SFluxe’s Damion Matthews demonstrates the proper handling of the delicious LIVE Green Tea Energy Drink with Cross Marketing’s Jason Oronzi.

Event host Nadine Weil with Josh Metz

Joel Goodrich of TRI Coldwell Banker with Justin Fichelson

FUF’s executive director Kelly Quirke

The evening was concluded with a live music set by San Francisco’s own Chris Clouse.

• Photo (top): Friends of the Urban Forest staff with Elizabeth Westover (center) and Executive Director Kelly Quirke.
• Photo Credit: Vasna Wilson for Drew Altizer Photography