By Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
In addition to being home for 13 Mexican gray wolves, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, hosted their annual fundraiser Dinner with Wolves sponsored by My Sister’s Closet.
Congratulations to the organizers Ann Damiano, Pam Wugalter and our own Director of Education Nikki Julien. Thanks to their planning and hard work, the event raised over $45,000 to be split between Southwest Wildlife and Defenders of Wildlife, a substantial increase over last year’s event.
The perfect night started with the perfect weather…winds calm, no fans or jackets required.
A SOLD-OUT crowd enjoyed a self-guided tour, all the animals were out and seemed to enjoy the extra attention (and treats) including many of the guest’s favorites, Tocho, Leo and the bears.
Several times throughout the evening you could hear the wolves serenade, thanks perhaps for the evening’s purpose.
Lucky patrons were treated to a delicious buffet, thanks to Sierra Bonita for their culinary talents.
Guest speakers Defenders of Wildlife’s Craig Smith and Bryan Bird both gave an informative talk about the current status of the wolves. In addition, our founder and Director Linda Searles spoke about Southwest Wildlife’s role as a holding facility for the Mexican gray wolves.
Star of the live auction was April Howland’s painting “Manitu,” based on one of our Mexican gray wolves Brio. Pictured below is the painting with April and the auction winner Tiffany Goldman. Visitors had fun bidding on more than 30 silent auction items as well.
Many thanks to individuals who contributed to our silent auction, gave in kind donations, and those who donated financially. Because of your generosity and support our evening was a HUGE success!
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center and Defenders of Wildlife are grateful for the ability to carry-on our missions of saving native wildlife, especially our beloved Mexican gray wolves.