The West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) let Women’s LifeStyle in on their plan to host an inaugural Earth Day celebration in April 2015 while we were interviewing them for the first time about their growing water education programs. Four years later, WMEAC continues to extend an invitation to their annual Blue Tie Ball, an evening that celebrates our host planet with the party it deserves while supporting the water programs that work to reduce pollution in our lakes and rivers.

WMEAC’s programming flourishes with year-round opportunities for you to get down and dirty with the environment, but the Blue Tie Ball gives you the chance to sub your work boots and gloves for an easygoing night in polished business attire (bonus if you incorporate a blue tie or ribbon into your outfit) while still impacting the environment.

This year’s Blue Tie Ball showcases the “incredible state we live in,” WMEAC’s Director of Development Mary Robinson said. From live entertainment by local blues/funk/rock n’ roll band Hannah Rose and the GraveTones to auction packages and prize drawings focused on classic Michigan experiences, the event is undoubtably one designed by a team of environmentalists.

“We figured it’s way more fun to get out into the great outdoors than have more stuff around the house,” said Robinson. “With the packages, we worked on giving people a place to stay paired with an event or provide them with a restaurant package.”

The auction presents packages that offer enticing experiences such as a nirvana for the dedicated yogi or a weekend at Crystal Mountain, exposing bidders to the amazing activities Earth has to offer. The chance to enter a drawing to win smaller scale experiences is also available at $10 per ticket, available for purchase at the event.

The Blue Tie Ball is truly an event that deserves a mark on your calendar, but consider this year a duel celebration as the evening commemorates WMEAC’s 50th anniversary. The half-century birthday calls for a touch of WMEAC nostalgia peppered throughout the evening, including program surprises and a video, as well as a focus on the future.

The fourth annual Blue Tie Ball takes place April 26 at the Goei Center from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests enjoy a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres cocktail hour before taking their seats at 7 p.m. to hear the presentation of the Hartwell Environmental Legacy Award and indulge in cuisine by San Chez Bistro.

Treat yourself and Earth to a celebratory evening exhibiting the wonders of our homeland. Tickets are available at WMEAC.org/bluetieball, along with information on volunteer opportunities and the life-changing water programs that continue to make waves in our community.

What: Blue Tie Ball Where: Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids When: April 26, 6-10 p.m. Cost: $75/WMEAC member. $90/non-member. Seize membership opportunities at WMEAC.org.

Bri Kilroy is a Grand Valley and AmeriCorps alumna who learned to type through vigorous Mavis Beacon trainings. She also passes as an artist, illustrator and author of this bio.