Annual Wishes for Wildlife Supports Animal Rehabilitation, Education, Conservation Programs
Liberty Wildlife’s education ambassadors greeted guests as they arrived at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia for the May 7 Wishes for Wildlife. Among the feathered ambassadors were a golden eagle, a bald eagle, great horned owls, hawks, vultures and falcons. A highlight of the evening was when honorary corporate chairmen Sharon and Ollie Harper released a rehabilitated great horned owl.
Honorary corporate chairs Sharon and Ollie Harper release a rehabilitated great horned owl.
An array of interesting items for the alfresco silent auction drew lively bidding from the 400 attendees. These included silver feather earrings from Molina Fine Jewelers, garden plants, trees, table gardens and trips to Whistler, Lake Tahoe and Santa Fe. Other collectibles included an antique bust made of brooches, fossils and a Western vignette.
Following the silent auction and cocktails, guests moved inside for dinner and more fun. “Jeobirdy,” a game show, featured contestants C.A. Howlett, Lesley Swanson of SRP and Kurt Licence of Arizona Game and Fish. Phoenix Theatre’s Michael Barnard moderated. Guests also saw a seven-minute video about Liberty Wildlife, its history and its anticipated move into its new home, scheduled to open in June. The facility is located on the south side of the Rio Salado between 24th and 28th streets.
Funds raised will be directed toward Liberty Wildlife’s operating costs to take care of injured and orphaned wildlife and to provide educational programs across Arizona. In 2015, the organization cared for more than 6,500 animals and provided 800 programs.
Sharon Sneva was the event chair, and Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program was the Legacy Award honoree.
PHOTOS COURTESY LIBERTY WILDLIFE
Melani Walton and Kathleen Lang
Event chair Sharon Sneva
Lori Singleton and Fred Tillman
Ambassador David and Jeannie Mulford
Sarah Burr, Emil Burr and Tracey Westerhausen
Dr. Kathy Orr and Peggy Cole
