Dennis B. Chase Smile Walk for Optimism and Conservation
Leamington – On November 9, the Chase family will host the third Dennis B. Chase Smile Walk for Optimism and Conservation at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. Dennis was a long-time employee of Essex Region Conservation. Over the course of his career, he planted over a million trees and made countless contributions to the region`s conservation areas, but his greatest value to the organization was his unending optimism and kindness. Dennis passed away in 2012, and ERCA established the Dennis Chase Staff Award in his honour
“This annual walkathon has been created to support the incredible work of Essex Region Conservation, in honour of a man who left the world a better place by nurturing personal relationships and working in an industry he took great pride in,” said Chase’s daughter Karen Amlin.
Wanting continue Dennis’ legacy of optimism and conservation while ensuring that this corner of the world continues to be a bit brighter and greener than it was yesterday, the Chase family initiated this event. Over the past two years, they have raised $22,000 to support trees and trails in the Place for Life.
“This is a remarkable achievement, and we are humbled to be the recipients of the Chase family’s efforts on Dennis’ behalf,” stated Richard Wyma, Essex Region Conservation Foundation’s Executive Director. “We are all better for having known Dennis, and his legacy continues as these funds will allow us to continue important conservation work in our region.”
This year, all donors who contribute $50 to this event will receive a Deed to the Greenway. Dennis was part of the team who constructed the Chrysler Canada Greenway in 1999, and spent many hours maintaining it to ensure the people of Windsor and Essex County could walk, ride and enjoy connecting to nature and each other for generations to come.
“We are so very grateful to all of the sponsors, partners and participants who honour our father and the environment through this event,” added. “Our family is so happy that we can pay tribute to an incredible husband, father, friend and conservationist in this way.”
Anyone wishing to participate in this event can register at http://dbcsmilewalk.com/
Since 1973, Essex Region Conservation has been sustaining and enriching the environment of the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region to ensure it is the Place for Life.
Media Contacts:
Danielle Stuebing, Director of Communications & Outreach, Essex Region Conservation
519-776-5209 ext. 352
dstuebing@erca.org
Karen Amlin, KK Counselling Services
karen@kkcounselling.com
