AFC Signature Member, John Banovich has established a new major award through the Banovich Wildscapes Foundation - the Award for Conservation Excellence (ACE). The purpose of the award is to recognize the exceptional contributions made by some of the world's leading conservationists and is intended to become the most significant award in the conservation arena.A call for nominations is now open through August 31, 2017. Nominations for the ACE award can be made here
Following is information from the award's summary document:
AWARD FOR CONSERVATION EXCELLENCE (ACE)
ACE is a non-profit award rewarding and acknowledging exceptional contributors to wildlife conservation.
The Banovich Wildscapes Foundation and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) are pleased to present the first Award for Conservation Excellence (ACE). The Award, sponsored by Cabela's Outdoor Fund, Cabela Family Foundation and Bass Pro Shops, recognizes the enormous contributions of Jim Cabela and Dick and Mary Cabela - extraordinary conservationists and entrepreneurs.The Award for Conservation Excellence was created to recognize the exceptional contributions made by some of the world's leading conservationists and is intended to become the most significant award in the conservation arena.
The mission of ACE is to honor and appreciate a legacy of conservation through recognition of men and women who share their passion to conserve the great outdoors, and have made extraordinary contributions to the sustainability of nature and wildlife. The Award will recognize a conservationist's long-term commitment to making our planet a better place, and empower people in both local and international communities to advance wildlife conservation. The first ACE Award will be presented at a premier black-tie awards ceremony during the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition February 14, 2018 at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC.
OVERVIEW
Many of the world's leading conservationists, biologists and scientists are working tirelessly in the field of conservation to save the world's remaining species. These unsung heroes dedicate their lives to the preservation of flora and fauna, often working in remote, unforgiving wilderness areas under extreme and challenging conditions. In committing to this lifelong journey, they often subject themselves to what some might consider a vow of poverty. With their astute minds and diligent work ethic, they could potentially be the top earners in private industry had they not chosen the unheralded work of the nonprofit world. Instead they are driven by their passion for saving wildlife and making the world a better place.
Today, there seems to be a large public chasm between the hunter/sportsman conservation world and the non-hunting environmental/conservation world; in some circles this disconnect is widening. Banovich Wildscapes Foundation, with support from Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) hopes that the ACE will not only acknowledge and honor an outstanding individual working for conservation, but will create an awareness of the need for everyone to work together to protect and preserve the earth's wild places and wildlife.
FIRST ACE AWARD CEREMONY OVERVIEW
The first ACE ceremony will honor the world's leading conservationists and provide sponsors and guests the opportunity to experience gourmet cuisine and world-class entertainment. Five finalists will be chosen and the First place winner will be awarded a $100,000 cash prize (donated by The Cabela's Outdoor Fund & Cabela Family Foundation) and a $5,000 Cabela's gift certificate. Four finalists will receive a $5,000 Cabela's Gift Certificate and a $5,000 cash reward (donated by Bass Pro Shops).
Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Venue: Gaillard Center
PRESENTER OVERVIEW
The Award will have five finalists and each individual and their conservation project will be introduced by a celebrity guest. The celebrity guest presenter will have the opportunity to share a few words about their own project or relationship with wildlife and wild places around the world. After a short film on that finalist's project is presented the finalist will join the celebrity guest presenter on stage and the finalist will give a brief speech about their project.
The ACE award is co-presented with teh Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and is sponsored by Cabela's Outdoor Fund, the Cabela Family Foundation & Bass Pro Shops.
To learn more about the award, refer to the following links:
LINK TO ONLINE SUBMISSION FORM https://form.jotform.us/71685392584166
LINK TO ACE AWARD INFORMATION WEBPAGE http://www.wildscapesfoundation.org/ace-award/about
LINK TO ACE AWARD APPLICANT INFORMATION WEBPAGE http://www.wildscapesfoundation.org/ace-award/applicants
