SAFE hosts our second annual fundraiser event to help sustain SAFE’s efforts and bring inspiration to the community.
By Janiela Quiñones
On Thursday, November 13th, 2025, SAFE hosted our second annual event: a fundraiser and film screening of Emergent City at Cinema Salem. The funds raised through this event would help sustain SAFE’s climate justice efforts and our internship program.
The event opened with our land acknowledgment, followed by a proper introduction of the executive director and board, withappreciation to our event sponsors who made the event possible. Representative Manny Cruz shared remarks on the importance of SAFE’s work and thanked our awardees for their commitment to service.
We transitioned into our award ceremony segment. These community awards were to be given to members of the Salem community who have contributed positive change. It was an opportunity to recognize them, acknowledge their hard work, and uplift what they’ve done for the community.
Stacy Kilb, the Energy Coach & Sustainability Engagement Coordinator for the City of Salem Sustainability Department was awarded the Speak Up! Award. Stacy helps residents go electric and navigate Mass Save. If you are a Salem resident and need support with your home energy needs, contact Stacy today.
Matt Buchanan of Salem High School and Mack Park Farm was awarded the Local Climate Champion Award. As a beloved educator and leader in Salem, Matt’s remarks were inspiring to us all, saying, “This work always kept me grounded and in touch with my roots. It’s all a mosaic of inspiration for me. Working class people, activists, and my students always there at the core…I’m gonna enjoy it tonight, I hope you do too, but then tomorrow, like all of you, I’m gonna wake up and life is gonna do its thing – amazing highs and terrible lows will follow for every single one of us. That’s the truth. So I ask you this simple question: What are you gonna do next?”
The main event was the screening of the film Emergent City. Attendees left the film feeling inspired by the real events that took place in New York and the resilience of the Sunset Park Community in the face of gentrification. If you crave a rewatch or missed us last week, no worries! SAFE will be bringing the film to other community spaces next year.
Thank you again to our sponsors and donors who made not only this fundraiser a success, but for sustaining SAFE and our efforts.
Consider becoming a SAFE Sustainer today!
Janiela Quiñones is SAFE’s Communications Intern.