What I’m about to say may sound like bragging and that’s because it is, but I’ve won my share of awards in my day. I’ve won awards for having the cleanest desk in elementary, honor roll in high school, and listening to all my songs in my iTunes (I gave that last one to myself—twice). With all the awards I’ve won or awarded myself, I haven’t changed the world with my work and I haven’t delivered a poignant speech on how happy I am to be an award recipient. However, there are many deserving individuals who have devoted significant time and effort to lead them to such a position. Recently I had the opportunity to see Irmelin DiCaprio, mother of actor Leonardo DiCaprio, stand on a podium giving a beautiful speech at the “Harvest Under the Moon” gala held by the nonprofit organization, TreePeople.

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The evening’s gala was held by TreePeople at their headquarters at Coldwater Canyon Park. The nonprofit environmental advocacy organization based in Southern California was started by Andy Lipkis in 1973 and originally began planting trees throughout the San Bernardino Mountains. Forty-five years later, they’ve planted and cared for over 3 million trees covering South LA, Malibu Creek, and the Arts District of Downtown LA to name a few neighborhoods. With a dedicated staff and team of volunteers TreePeople continues to help make Los Angeles both green and sustainable through grassroots efforts, government involvement, community contributions, and education programs.

To celebrate the work the organization has maintained throughout the community and a few leaders in the field, TreePeople had the “Harvest Under the Moon” gala. The event began with a cocktail reception featuring the specialty drink, The Equinox. A glass of Tito’s Vodka was combined with mulled wine syrup, orange bitters, fresh lime juice, a sparkling wine float and topped with a single orange slice. While I didn’t drink on this evening, it was delightful to see all the smiles of attendees as they grabbed a glass. In the time while guests were taking sups of their drinks I was snapping photos of Irmelin DiCaprio, Andy Lipkis, and the CEO of TreePeople Cindy Montañez.

As the step and repeat cleared and as attendees made their way to their seats, the scheduled program started along with dinner service. A three-course menu created by Schaffer was as beautiful as the open seating under the trees and stars. The catering company welcomed each individual to their seat with a Persimmon & Baby Jewel Lettuce Salad. Small halves of jewel lettuce were drizzled with a lemon walnut vinaigrette which rested on sliced persimmons, pomegranate seeds, spiced walnuts, and a crumbled chevre. Although I’m not the biggest fan of salads, I liked this one. What caught my attention was the creamy goat’s milk cheese which sat in complete opposition to the walnuts. As different as the two were, they worked nicely together especially when placed with the lettuce and fruit.

Once the first course was removed from the table, night quickly made its way upon us and the lights strung across tree branches lit up Coldwater Canyon Park. Having the choice of a seafood or a vegetarian entrée, I went the road I would rarely take and asked for the vegetarian plate. The Blue Corn Tostada Stack was piled high with ingredients. A asparagus patty pan squash, sweet potatoes, and poblano peppers, came side-by-side to a green herb rice with Oaxacan mole, salsa vede, and an heirloom tomato pico de gallo. For a vegetarian dish, I was pleased with how filling it was. However, I did feel the dish was somewhat ordinary and lackluster despite having such strong components. I could appreciate that it was vegetable focused with produce that would instill a degree of excitement such as the sweet potatoes, but I was hoping for more of a kick of flavor from the salsa verde and unfortunately it was missing. It was during this course that TreePeople played a video showcasing the work they’ve done over the last year and discussed their future endeavors. A live auction wasn’t far behind and guests had the chance to bid on prizes such as a 7-night stay in a Mexican resort, a private wine tasting, and more.

The final course to the event was dessert. Not listed on the menu, the nameless dessert was a light custard topped with fresh berries and a thin wheel of chocolate. As delicious as it was, it was served just before Irmelin went to accept her award. With that said, I had a single delicious bite and grabbed my camera to take photos during her speech.

As Irmelin was introduced and took the stage, it was impossible not to reciprocate the smile that gleamed across her face. The happiness she exuded as she accepted the Evergreen Award for Visionary Leadership was infectious.  Did we all win the award? Of course not, but it sure felt like we did. As a recipient of the award, Irmelin DiCaprio, was chosen based on the work she has done both in private an in the public eye over the years. From teaching her son, Leonardo DiCaprio, to care for the environment as a child to partnering in creating the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, Irmelin has made advancements to help build a better world for everyone. Founded in 1998, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation works to protect and cultivate the planet’s landscape, oceans, indigenous locations, and the animals inhabiting them.

On an equally large scale, Irmelin produced the 2007 documentary, “The 11^th Hour” where she interviewed scientists, environmental activists, thought leaders, and organizations including TreePeople. Working close to home, Irmelin along with friends has turned a dry hillside in West Hollywood and made it a home for plants and trees, birds, and insects.

With her award in her hand, Imrelin told the story of how she was born in a bomb shelter in a northern region of Germany, immigrated to the states, the life she led, nurturing her son’s acting talents, and the impact the environment had on her growth. It wasn’t an easy story to hear, but it was one that was inspiring. Navigating a world as a single mother, taking on available jobs to provide for herself and son, working to make an impact around nature, and maintaining a strong footing on one’s own self was no easy task, but hearing the ways Irmelin managed it all was beautiful.

As the event came to a close and my final photos were taken, I was elated to have attended the event. I was incredibly thankful to be in a space full of people actively trying to make the world a better place from the ground up. Thanks to the work by TreePeople and learning about what Irmelin has contributed to the community, I look at the environment and even trees a little differently now. It’s as if they stand much taller in spite of all they’ve endured and as if their color shines a bit brighter because of what they’ve gone through. I have a greater respect for the often unnoticed work the organization and its volunteers have done because without them (and organizations alike) the nature around us may not be what it is today.

For more information about TreePeople and what they do in the communities they serve, visit their website here!

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Address: Main Office – 12601 Mulholland Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210; Headquarters, Coldwater Canyon Park – 1100 N. Beverly Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: Main Office – (818) 753-4600; Headquarters – (818) 623-4845
Hours: Main Office – Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m; Headquarters – Daily 6:30am to Dusk.
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