29 October 2010

Marathon Men (and Women): TNC Running for Nature

TNC protects places like Raja Ampat, Indonesia

I was twice reminded of my old pals at The Nature Conservancy this week.

The first was when the host of a panel I was moderating told me of the passing of a Conservancy legend, Dennis Wolkoff, and the second was when I learned about a group of dedicated Conservancy staff and friends, including CEO Mark Tercek, who were running the New York City Marathon next weekend.

Dennis passed away last Spring, and yet I was only just now hearing about it -- and from a total stranger. How did that happen? I wasn't close to Dennis, but we both shared a passion for the Boston Red Sox and I got to use his Fenway seats on several occasions.

Still, it stung that I'd gotten so far away over the years that I had to hear about his passing seven months after it happened.

My fondest memory of Dennis was beating him in a negotiations workshop a decade ago. Dennis very graciously acknowledged his defeat and, although it was only a game, I could never forget my victory over a master deal maker. His generosity of spirit was in strong evidence that day, as it was every day with his colleagues and with anyone with whom he came in contact.

That's the spirit of the Conservancy; it's a giving spirit.

Which is why it is no surprise that a group of Conservancy staff and friends, including CEO Mark Tercek, are giving of themselves by running to raise funds for the Conservancy's critical work protecting the world's most important lands and waters.

I hope you'll join me in supporting their efforts and cheer them on as they hit the wilds of New York City's streets on November 7th.  My support is in memory of Dennis Wolkoff.

You can donate to the team at nature.org.


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