Mundra Turtogtokh
Development Associate
On October 2, 2026, IEC heads to the Hilton Chicago for our 2026 Environmental Leadership Dinner, and this year’s Silent Auction might be my favorite part of the whole night. It’s the event we’ve been preparing, planning, and picturing since our 50th Anniversary Dinner last year, and we want the evening to feel exciting, meaningful, and above all, celebratory of the environmental community that makes our work possible. We launched the auction on September 18 with 60 unique items, and watching them come together has had me thinking about the people, places, and partnerships that make our work at IEC so special.
Since making Chicago my home a little over a year ago, I’ve come to appreciate just how meaningful it is to find community with people who care about the same things you do. Sometimes that happens through your work, sometimes through a shared activity, and sometimes simply by getting outside and exploring the place you call home. In a lot of ways, this year’s auction reflects those connections.
I hope my favorites inspire you to bid generously while also giving you a glimpse into why we put so much care into celebrating Illinois’ environmental community every year at what we affectionately call our “Green Prom.” Bidding is now open to anyone online and will close at 8:30pm on the night of our dinner, October 2.
So, let’s cut to the chase: here are five items I’m especially thrilled about.
1) A Two-Night Luxury Treehouse Getaway at Starved Rock
Donated by: Starved Rock Treehouses | Value: $1,810 | Starting bid: $800 | Bid Here
I’ll admit that I haven’t gotten outside of Chicago nearly enough this past year. It’s easy to get caught up in city life and forget how much there is to explore just beyond it. This two-night treehouse getaway near Starved Rock feels like the perfect excuse to slow down, get outside, and reconnect with the landscapes we at IEC work so hard to protect. I’m hoping whoever wins it makes it out there sooner than I do!
2) Floating Wetlands — Original Painting by Pamela Crady
Donated by: Pamela Crady | Value: $1,500 | Starting bid: $500 | Bid Here
Some collaborations just seem to arrive at exactly the right time. Inspired by Illinois’ wetlands and IEC’s work to advance the Wetlands Protection Act, Pamela Crady created this beautiful original painting specifically for our Silent Auction. It celebrates the beauty of these landscapes while reminding us why protecting them matters. I’m especially grateful to Pamela for turning that connection between art and environmental protection into something tangible. Pamela’s daughter Charlotte also donated incredible items to support the auction, including an Organic Skincare Collection and a Goldenfinch Boutique Gift Card.
3) A BYOT Shirt Upcycling Workshop at Remade Chicago
Donated by: Remade in Chicago | Value: $600 | Starting bid: $250 | Bid Here
Building community around a shared interest takes time, but it’s worth it, and this workshop feels like a wonderful way to do exactly that: bring people together, learn something new, and give new life to something that might otherwise go unused. In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll choose from more than 30 unique designs and mix and match them to create your own custom piece. You and your nine friends will learn techniques for transferring your chosen design directly onto a t-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie, tank top, onesie, etc. What a fun way to spend time with friends and colleagues!!!
4) A Ruff Haus Dog Treat & Essentials Basket
Donated by: Ruff Haus Pets | Value: $80 | Starting bid: $30 | Bid Here
I adopted a puppy this past March, so I may be a little biased about this one. There’s something very fun about seeing an auction item and immediately knowing exactly who would love it. With treats, toys, everyday essentials, and a $25 gift card, this basket is a great package for any dog lover. And yes, I’ll be bidding on it myself, so consider this a warning if you want to start a bidding war.
5) A River Tour with Urban Rivers
Donated by: Urban Rivers | Value: $300 | Starting bid: $120 | Bid Here
This one feels especially connected to the work we do at IEC. We’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Urban Rivers, one of IEC’s 150 affiliate member organizations, on tours that bring lawmakers onto Chicago’s waterways to learn about restoration, environmental challenges, and the communities they represent. This experience offers a chance for up to eight people to explore Bubbly Creek while learning more about Chicago’s river system and the work happening to restore it. It’s a great example of the environmental education IEC provides outside the conference room.
Let's Continue the Work
I’m grateful to everyone who donated their time, creativity, and generosity to make this year’s auction possible. These five items are just a small glimpse of what makes this year’s collection so unique, and I know you’ll find something that excites you, too. And when you do, I hope you’ll bid generously. Every bid helps support IEC’s work to protect Illinois’ people and environment.
About the Author
Mundra joined IEC in 2025 as a Development Associate, where she combines her passion for creative problem solving with a commitment to strengthening environmental fundraising. In her role, she works to build efficient processes and foster strong donor relationships, ensuring that IEC’s community of supporters has a meaningful and rewarding experience as valued partners in advancing environmental progress across Illinois.