Promise to our planet 2025:
Acterra’s Promise to Our Planet is returning on May 17, and this year’s event promises to be truly special! Held at the breathtaking Hidden Villa in Los Altos Hills, this gathering will celebrate 55 years of Acterra’s commitment to climate action and community impact in the Bay Area.
Can't make it, but still want to support? Donate below.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the dress code?
We suggest smart casual or garden party attire, with comfortable shoes suitable for walking on grass or uneven terrain. Since the event is outdoors, and Hidden Villa is in the hills, we also recommend dressing for warmth and bringing a jacket.
Will food be provided?
Yes! A sustainably sourced vegan meal will be provided, along with a selection of wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
Is the event family-friendly?
While we welcome attendees of all ages, the evening is designed primarily for adults. Childcare is not provided.
Will there be parking?
Yes, free parking is available at Hidden Villa. We encourage carpooling or using a rideshare service to reduce your carbon footprint.
How can I support Acterra if I can’t attend?
You can still support our mission by donating here.
Donate
Event Timeline, subject to change.
5:00 PM – Guest Arrival & Check-In
5:45 PM – Dinner Service Opens
6:30 PM – Program Begins
7:30 PM – Dancing and Dessert
8:45 PM – Closing Remarks & Thank You
9:00 PM – Event Concludes. We'll See You Next Year!
Join us for an inspiring celebration featuring dynamic speakers, interactive sustainable activities, and the opportunity to connect with Bay Area changemakers and sustainability leaders. Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted sustainable dinner and discover eco-friendly surprises that showcase our dedication to a greener future.
This is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of progress, resilience, and the power of community to drive meaningful change. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details as we count down to this extraordinary celebration. We can’t wait to share this special moment with you!
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ROB JACKSON studies how humans impact the Earth, focusing on climate change, energy, and environmental policies. As chair of the Global Carbon Project, he works to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. His lab also explores climate change's effects on forests.
Rob’s book Into the Clear Blue Sky was named a "Top Science Book of 2024" by The Times. He’s the author of The Earth Remains Forever, two children’s poetry books, and published poems in literary journals like LitHub and Southwest Review. His photography has appeared in National Geographic News, NY Times, and Science.
A Guggenheim Fellow and Djerassi artist in residence, Rob is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering.
LAUREN MARTINEZ is a reporter for ABC7 News. She is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist with deep roots in the Bay Area. A San Francisco State University graduate, her career has taken her from Bend, Oregon, to Chico, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and back to the Bay Area.
She has covered major stories like the 2018 Camp Fire and the pandemic’s impact on local communities. During her time at FOX5 in Las Vegas, Lauren reported on the city’s reopening and economic recovery, showcasing her commitment to telling stories that matter.
Now based in ABC7’s South Bay bureau, Lauren focuses on Silicon Valley’s innovation and vibrant, diverse communities.
CLIMATE ADVOCACY CHAMPION AWARD
Recipient: Sudhanshu “Suds” Jain
In recognition of decades of tireless climate action, from grassroots education and volunteerism to bold municipal leadership, Acterra honors Suds Jain for his dedication to building a sustainable future and inspiring community engagement.
CLIMATE VISIONARY CHAMPION AWARD
Recipient: Peninsula Conservation Center & Bay Area Action
These two pioneering organizations laid the foundation for Acterra through innovative, community-based environmental leadership. Their merger created a lasting legacy of local climate action and collaboration.
Accepted by: Peter Drekmeier
Peter returned to Palo Alto, his hometown, in 1989 to work on the international Earth Day 1990 campaign, later co-founding Bay Area Action. In the '90s, he focused on protecting forests, opposing nuclear testing, and advocating for sustainable infrastructure. As a City Council member and now Policy Director for the Tuolumne River Trust, he has championed climate action, zero waste, and river restoration.
RESILIENCE IN ACTION AWARD
Recipient: Santa Clara County Government
Honoring bold climate leadership through equitable, science-driven resilience planning, Santa Clara County leads the way in wildfire preparedness, cooling access, flood mitigation, and sustainable development.
Accepted by: Cayce Hill
Cayce Hill is the Acting Director of the Office of Sustainability and Resilience for Santa Clara County, with over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors. She leads initiatives like the Sustainability Master Plan and Food System Work Plan to advance food security, climate resilience, and community well-being. Previously Executive Director of Veggielution, she also serves on the boards of the Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters and the San Jose Parks Foundation.
COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CHAMPION AWARD
Recipient: Grassroots Ecology
Celebrated for empowering local communities through ecological restoration and education, Grassroots Ecology blends science and stewardship to protect the natural spaces that define our region.
Accepted by: Junko Bryant
Junko Bryant is Co-Executive Director of Grassroots Ecology, where she focuses on staff and program management, strategic planning, and DEI initiatives. Since joining the organization in 2009, she has led urban restoration efforts in Redwood City, East Palo Alto, and Palo Alto. Junko holds a B.S. in Earth Systems from Stanford and a Master of Regional Planning from UNC Chapel Hill.
Event Sponsors:
Leadership Sponsors:
Table Sponsors:
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SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
Sponsors of Promise to Our Planet, Acterra’s single biggest community-building event of the year, will enjoy a variety of benefits. Visit our Sponsorships Page and be a part of this one-of-a-kind climate action fundraiser. For questions, contact Anike Coates anike.coates@acterra.org.
Become a Sponsor
*Take a look at the highlights from last year's incredible gathering—this year is set to be even more vibrant, engaging, and memorable. Don’t miss out!
