Great Blue Benefit

The Long View: A message from President & CEO Joel Brammeier

This year’s Great Blue Benefit looked a little different from what we had planned.

Due to severe weather, we made the difficult decision to cancel our in-person event. While we were disappointed not to gather together, the mission we came together to celebrate—and the people who make it possible—remain as strong as ever.

To recognize our 2026 Wavemaker honorees and share an update on the state of our Great Lakes movement, Alliance President & CEO Joel Brammeier has recorded a special message.

Support the Great Lakes with a virtual Paddle Raise

You can still make an impact by participating in our virtual Paddle Raise. Your gift directly supports the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ work to protect and restore our region’s most precious freshwater resource.

As a special thank you, every Paddle Raise gift of $100 or more will be entered for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Wickwood Inn in Saugatuck, Michigan (a $1,800 value). The virtual Paddle Raise closes at 11:59 p.m. CT on June 30, and all eligible gifts received by that time will be entered into the drawing.

Art + Silent Auction Update

Our Art + Silent Auction is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated, and our sincere gratitude to Grove Gallery and all of the talented artists who generously donated or shared their work in support of the Alliance.

If you placed the winning bid on an item, we will be in touch with information on how to claim it. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Genevieve Fletcher at gfletcher@greatlakes.org.