News

The Greenway Ladies Guild, in partnership with the Anne Springs Close Greenway and the inaugural Green Gala Host Committee, proudly announces the 10th annual Green Gala:  Black and White Oscars, presented by The Stone Man and Founders Federal Credit Union. The event will take place on Saturday, February 28, at the historic Founders Diary Barn at the Anne Springs Close Greenway. 

For a decade, the Green Gala has served as a cornerstone fundraising event supporting the Greenway’s mission to connect people to nature through conservation, recreation and education. This milestone coincides with the Anne Springs Close Greenway’s 30^th anniversary – celebrating three decades of preserving open space as a vital community asset amid rapid regional growth. The evening honors the enduring legacy of land protected in perpetuity for the benefit of current and future generations. 

Ms. Close’s vision for the Greenway originated in response to increasing development and the belief that natural landscapes should remain accessible, protected and shared. Today, the Greenway stands as a living legacy of her vision, providing a safe space for education, recreation and reflection, while continuing to strengthen the community’s connection to the land.  

This special evening celebrates the deep connection between the Greenway and the community it serves. That sense of discovery and belonging is reflected in the words of CN2 anchor Lucas McFadden, the host of the evening’s seated dinner. “The Anne Springs Close Greenway is like a giant playground in our backyard,” said McFadden. “No matter your age, adventure awaits. I’ve been visiting the Greenway for as long as I can remember, and I’m always shocked to discover new trails, trails, activities and places to visit.”   

Proceeds from the Green Gala help fund the Greenway’s land stewardship, educational programming and recreational opportunities. Your participation ensures this protected land remains accessible and inspiring for future generations. By attending, you are helping the Greenway maintain trails, supporting hands-on learning for children and promoting outdoor activities that strengthen our connection to nature and appreciation for preservation of the region’s natural resources. 

This year’s event offers two ticket options: 

• Premier Ticket | $200 | 7:00pm 
  Premier Tickets include an evening of hors d’oeuvres, open bar service, live entertainment, auctions and a DJ dance party finale. 

• Seated Dinner Ticket | $500 | 5:00pm 
  Elevate your experience with the Seated Dinner Ticket. Guests will experience an intimate cocktail reception, a three-course plated dinner, and access to all Premier-level festivities.  

Join us for an extraordinary evening where style meets purpose. An evening that honors 30 years of the Anne Springs Close Greenway’s lasting impact. Secure your tickets now – this signature event sells out every year. 

About Anne Springs Close Greenway
Nestled amid beautiful lakes and hardwood forests, the Anne Springs Close Greenway℠ is a natural preserve more than twice the size of Central Park. Minutes south of Charlotte in Fort Mill, SC, its 2,100 acres serve as a natural buffer from urban development and provide a wide-open space for countless activities – from hiking, biking and horseback riding to picnics, kayaking and more. The land has ties to the Catawba Indians and the Civil War and has been permanently preserved for public use. The children of Anne Springs Close donated the land in honor of her lifelong commitment to recreation and the environment to provide a natural landscape for the community to enjoy. The Greenway℠ contains native plants and animals, historic buildings, a 40-mile network of trails, Greenway Gateway welcome center and facilities for weddings and other special events. As a non-profit organization, it depends on memberships, program fees, as well as private donations to support annual operations. The Greenway is owned and operated by Leroy Springs & Company Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that receives no government funding for its ongoing operations and programs.

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