River Revelry--A Biodiversity Bash

CRBI’s River Revelry promotes protecting rivers, having fun

by Kevin Myrick

Published in Rome News-Tribune Aug. 22, 2010

There’s nothing like a party for a good cause, especially one with barbecue.

That’s what 2010 River Revelry attendees like Jennell and Bill Bryan of Canton like so much about the Coosa River Basin Initiative event which took place Saturday night at Heritage Park.

The couple has attended for the past three years and stayed downtown so they can walk back and forth to the bash that raises money to support the biodiversity of the Coosa River basin in Northwest Georgia.

“This is just a great, laid back evening to be apart of,” Jennell Bryan said. “All we have to do it walk across the bridge and come back to our hotel downtown.”

They said their support for the organization began years ago when they received a copy of CRBI Executive Director Joe Cook’s books. Cook is an accomplished photographer.

“Our kids gave us a copy of Joe’s book 8 years ago,” Jennell said. “That’s howwe learned about the organization and all the good work they’re doing.”

Bill Bryan said the couple are fervent believers in protecting the rivers because “It’s a vital resource for this area.”

That was something guest barbecue judge Cefus McRae agreed with. McRae, the host of the Sportsouth fishing show “The Nuts and Bolts of Fishing and Boating” said having fundraisers like the River Revelry is a great way to protect “a hidden secret” of the best attributes of Rome’s rivers.

“We’re huge proponents of being responsible stewards of natural resources,” he said. “Because, especially with fishing, there’s just as much fun catching the fish as putting them in the cooler. And if you don’t protect the rivers, there won’t be any fish to catch.”

CRBI president Nina Lovel said the organization presold as many tickets for this year’s riverside bash than they sold in tickets last year, and they expected to raise more money throughout the night with a silent and live auction.

“We have 197 auction items this year, including a used CRBI canoe for our live auction,” she said.

Also held during the evening event were the Ducky Derby Duck Drop and the Recycled Raft Race.

Seven Hills Rotary Club president Alan Horne said duck No. 34 bought by Beth Smith won the $500 prize for the first rubber duck to cross the finish line.

Funds raised from the Ducky Derby will be distributed as a donation to CRBI and will also go toward matching funds to Rotary International’s campaign to eradicate polio called Polio Plus.

To view the article and slide show from the event on the Rome News-Tribune website, click here: