SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 2020 – Utah Clean Energy, Utah’s leading clean energy advocacy group, offered An Evening of Hope to clean energy advocates around the West at its annual gala on October 28, 2020. Utah Clean Energy hosts this fundraiser yearly to bring together widely spread advocates and ignite a new energy future to turn the tide on climate change. The advocacy group aimed to raise $75,000 to help build a smarter energy future.

Attendees experienced an inspiring and educational evening with renowned actor and filmmaker, Damon Gameau as the keynote speaker. Gameau discussed the message behind his most recent film, 2040 – An Optimist’s Guide to Saving the World. When asked how optimistic he was for the future, Gameau answered, “I am hopeful—I just think as humans we value our life, were very creative but it takes us until the last minute to actually take action; like all our Hollywood films just when everything is gone and you think it’s all going to end, we rise up!”

“Like never before, we need to rise as leaders to fight for cleaner energy,” said Sarah Wright, executive director of Utah Clean Energy. “We are extremely grateful for all those who helped raise this gracious amount of money. Funds like this help us further our efforts in creating a future fully sustained by clean energy. We have a long way to go but we’re proud of how far we have come over the past 19 years and we’re not giving up until we reach our goal of a healthier tomorrow!”

In addition to the keynote speaker, the event welcomed more than 300 of Utah’s most innovative leaders as they gathered to celebrate Utah’s clean energy accomplishments and look to future success. The fundraiser also featured guest appearances from Utah State Representative Angela Romero and renowned climber and solar advocate, Alex Honnold.

“Climate change is one of the most urgent issues facing our world today, and we will only be able to address it if we all work together, both locally and globally,” said William Marks, Community Development Regional Manager at Facebook, An Evening of Hope sponsor. “We are proud to support Utah Clean Energy as they remain at the forefront of the fight for clean energy and climate solutions.”

“The concern for climate change is continuing to grow but year after year, we watch Utah Clean Energy make momentous strides towards a solution and a new energy future,” said Christian Gardner of Gardner Companies. “Events like this instill hope and courage to those around our state fighting to end climate change, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

For more information on Utah Clean Energy and to purchase tickets to the event, please visit www.utahcleanenergy.org.

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About Utah Clean Energy
Utah Clean Energy is Utah’s leading, expert, public interest organization working to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in a way that is beneficial not only for Utah’s environment and health, but our economy and long-term energy security. Utah Clean Energy is committed to creating a future that ensures healthy, thriving communities for all, empowered and sustained by clean energies such as solar, wind and energy efficiency. For more information visit www.utahcleanenergy.org.