Award Recipient Senator Patty Murray D-WA and Vento Award Host Amari Sowah

RedEye is honored to announce the successful presentation of the 2021 National Park Trust Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award. This event is the 15th Vento Award program in which RedEye has been involved and our 3rd such virtual event for National Park Trust.  While COVID-19 is coming to an end, the presentation was virtual via ZOOM. This year’s Bruce F. Vento Award was bestowed upon Senator Patty Murray of Washington. As a virtual program, it allowed people to join from all corners of the nation with relative ease. There were challenges that RedEye faced, but that did not stop them from creating another a successful program.

2021 Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award

Senator Patty Murray from Washington was honored with this award for all she has done for the National Parks and the environment. Murray has passed multiple Acts, including The Sky Wilderness Act, Wild Olympics Wilderness, and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and many others. Her determination and courage have made her a strong senator. She is on the committee for the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, Appropriations, Budget, Veterans’ Affairs, Rules and Administration, Joint Committee on Printing, and Democratic Leadership as a Conference Secretary. Needless to say, Senator Patty Murray is a busy and hard-working leader. She has made it a priority to protect and preserve lands. The award honors a public servant for his or her commitment to the environment, and their service, skill, and innovation in support of our public lands and waters.

What obstacles?

The obstacles we faced have made the team stronger. We again worked with 11 (non-video folks from across the country), teaching them to use mics, shoot horizontal (and use a tripod) and upload to us using an uplink.  It is challenging to work with so many TV newbies and maintain top notch quality.  But we employ our can-do attitude and bring it to life.

Looking Forward

The future for RedEye is looking bright as the world is going back to normal.  There are so many lessons learned from this past year that are fast becoming a part of the full scope of all RedEye has to offer, but we would be remiss if we didn’t say we are looking forward next-year’s in-person event. When the Bruce F. Vento Award Event was taken place in person in the past, it was located in Washington, DC. Having the program in-person allows for speakers to give speeches and share their stories will all of the guests. While this year’s program was virtual, the celebration was still shown. Sue Vento tuned in to the event from St. Paul, MN. “This is one of the best events of the year! Celebrating our parks & kids! Hats off & hooray…for their amazing work- even in the midst of this long pandemic,” she exclaimed, “Bruce would be so proud.”

National Park Trust

What is NPT?

National Park Trust (NPT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting parks while also creating park stewards. These stewards are involved in the Buddy Bison program, allowing them to visit and learn about the parks, lands, waters, and much more.  Check out their new Park Passport App and start visiting your local parks!

 

During the program, there was a lot to chat about.

Grace Lee, NPT Executive Director

“Teachers are amazing!! So proud of the Park Trust for stepping up to support them and bring parks to kids!”  ­­- Patricia Sterner

“Thank you, Senator Murray, for your tireless efforts to protect our parks, waterways, and environment.” – Yolanda Smith

“We so appreciate your support for our missions and programs!” – Grace Lee

“NPT= Lifeline. Thank you all for your support throughout the many years of partnership!!! You guys are AWESOME,” – Bobby Caballero

The RedEye is honored to have been a part of this program and looks forward to the years to come. Congratulations to Senator Patty Murray! – You can check out the full show here.