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Giving back
Funk on the Water has always been a fundraiser event. With the exception of last year, when we donated money toward VT flood relief funds, we have always donated proceeds to organizations taking care of our beloved Lake Champlain. This year we are back to this theme, and in a bigger way than ever. Rather than donating to one organization, we’ll be splitting our donation between two organizations, The Lake Champlain Lakekeeper and ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.
The Lake Champlain Lakekeeper
The Lake Champlain Lakekeeper, Julie Silverman, was hired by the Conservation Law Foundation as advocate, convener, and watchdog for Lake Champlain. The Lake Champlain Lakekeeper® plays a unique role in the protection and restoration of Lake Champlain. The Lakekeeper is on the ground in communities across the state:
- Building a stronger local presence and voice for Lake Champlain by educating the public about the lake’s value and the threats it faces.
- Advocating for policies and solutions to water pollution and other threats made worse by extreme storms, flooding, and increased water temperatures.
- Ensuring that the lake and its surrounding natural spaces are fully protected under the Clean Water Act and other laws.
- Acting as the lake’s “eyes and ears” by getting on the water in our Lakekeeper vessel to guard against illegal pollution, monitor the lake’s health, and educate stakeholders.
The organization employing the Lakekeeper, Conservation Law Foundation has worked for years on pollution and environmental projects around New England.
Thanks to CLF’s relentless advocacy – in courtrooms, in statehouses, and in boardrooms from New England to D.C. – today Boston Harbor is the pride of the city, Georges Bank is free from oil and gas rigs, Lake Champlain’s polluted waters are getting cleaner, and New England’s remaining obsolete coal plants are on the verge of shutting down for good.
But we don’t just shut down polluters. We create comprehensive long-term solutions to environmental challenges. CLF is a critical mover in building a new energy infrastructure, restoring the health of our oceans, countering climate change, and safeguarding the health, quality of life, and economic prosperity of our families and neighbors for generations to come.
Thanks to CLF’s relentless advocacy – in courtrooms, in statehouses, and in boardrooms from New England to D.C. – today Boston Harbor is the pride of the city, Georges Bank is free from oil and gas rigs, Lake Champlain’s polluted waters are getting cleaner, and New England’s remaining obsolete coal plants are on the verge of shutting down for good.
But we don’t just shut down polluters. We create comprehensive long-term solutions to environmental challenges. CLF is a critical mover in building a new energy infrastructure, restoring the health of our oceans, countering climate change, and safeguarding the health, quality of life, and economic prosperity of our families and neighbors for generations to come.
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a 501(c) non-profit organization. ECHO’s mission is to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain.
ECHO currently welcomes more than 167,000 visitors annually into a 34,500-square foot, award-winning LEED-certified facility. Through more than 100 interactive exhibits; 70 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians; major changing exhibits; a 2,500-square foot early learning interactive space; ECHO encourages visitors to view the natural environment as part of their neighborhood and to explore, learn about, and consider opportunities for stewardship. This work is delivered by a dedicated team of 27 staff, 175 volunteers and interns who serve more than 16,000 volunteer hours per year, and more than 45 community partners. ECHO is home to a consortium of organizations working for public and academic engagement in science: the Lake Champlain Basin Program; the University of Vermont’s Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory and research vessel; US Sea Grant Watershed Alliance; and the Lake Champlain Navy Memorial located in Hoehl Park.
ECHO currently welcomes more than 167,000 visitors annually into a 34,500-square foot, award-winning LEED-certified facility. Through more than 100 interactive exhibits; 70 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians; major changing exhibits; a 2,500-square foot early learning interactive space; ECHO encourages visitors to view the natural environment as part of their neighborhood and to explore, learn about, and consider opportunities for stewardship. This work is delivered by a dedicated team of 27 staff, 175 volunteers and interns who serve more than 16,000 volunteer hours per year, and more than 45 community partners. ECHO is home to a consortium of organizations working for public and academic engagement in science: the Lake Champlain Basin Program; the University of Vermont’s Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory and research vessel; US Sea Grant Watershed Alliance; and the Lake Champlain Navy Memorial located in Hoehl Park.
Why does all of this matter to us?
As many of you know, our brewery is situated on the shores of Lake Champlain in beautiful Burlington, Vermont. The lake plays so many roles in our lives. It’s beauty has set the backdrop for thousands of our guests at our brewery enjoying life, sharing stories, reconnecting with friends, starting romances, the list goes on. The sunsets over the Lake with the Adirondack Mountains in the background have been a cornerstone of our visual experience since opening Foam eight years ago.
But beyond this, the lake plays a vital role in the ecosystem here in Burlington. Not only do countless species of fish and other wildlife live in and on the lake, subsisting off it, it also supplies drinking water for Burlington, including the water we use to brew our beer. Making sure we do everything we can to keep the lake clean and restore it to full health is the least we can. It’s a part of our lives, in every way. A living being in a sense. And we want to treat it as such.
But beyond this, the lake plays a vital role in the ecosystem here in Burlington. Not only do countless species of fish and other wildlife live in and on the lake, subsisting off it, it also supplies drinking water for Burlington, including the water we use to brew our beer. Making sure we do everything we can to keep the lake clean and restore it to full health is the least we can. It’s a part of our lives, in every way. A living being in a sense. And we want to treat it as such.
FOTW 2024 Sponsors
New Duds
New Duds is our featured sponsor at this year's event. A partner to Foam for over 7 years now, New Duds is a local screen printing company which has been a staple for businesses around Vermont for all their screen printing needs, from all types of garments, to posters, stickers, and more. Their business was started in 2008 by Torrey and Tessa Valyou, a husband and wife duo with a passion for printmaking and sewing. Their early days were filled with hard work, messy ink, late nights, DIY everything, and lofty goals. Over the years, it has expanded into a wonderful team of talented, hardworking, and efficient staff. The company takes pride in its excellent work and customer service and is excited to assist with all screen printing and embroidery needs.
Seven Days is a free weekly newspaper in Vermont, covering news, politics, food, arts, and culture. It's distributed at 1,000 locations in Northern and Central Vermont and Plattsburgh, NY, with a website offering breaking news, videos, events, and job listings. Founded in 1995, it's owned by Paula Routly and funded by advertisers and reader contributions.
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