Eeew...Vultures Are Gross!

Get some Vulture Culture this Saturday, September 3^rd!

 

Join us on Saturday, September 3^rd, as we celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day 2011!

 Meet 'Vader', WBS' new Black Vulture – on display for the first time at International Vulture Awareness Day 2011!

Ewwww, Vultures are Gross!  But we need them the most!  Find out more at World Bird Sanctuary as we take part in the international celebration of all things vulture. 

·      Kids will love the Vulture Knowledge Test Table and the scavenger hunt, with prizes.

·      Shows featuring vultures and other animals, as well as music from the Raptor Project.

·      Special vulture exhibits, including Turkey Vultures and an Andean Condor (on public display for the first time at World Bird Sanctuary).

Dorothy, an Andean Condor that will be on display, has a wingspan of 10ft and a beak strong enough to rip through seal and whale hide.

Date: September 3^rd, 2011

Time: 10am – 3pm

Vulture shows: 11.30am and 2pm

Activities: Scavenger Hunt, Activities Table, Prizes!

 Turkey Vultures are native to Missouri.

Admission and parking is free!

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri

  

Sunflowers: Not Just a "Weed"

Helianthus

Helianthus is the genus name for Sunflower.  It’s derived from the Greek words helios meaning “sun” and anthos meaning “flower”.  There are around 60 different species of sunflowers. Sunflowers are related to daisies, asters, marigolds, dandelions and Black-eyed Susans.

 This is the plant everyone thinks of when they hear the word Sunflower.  Read on to learn about it's amazing properties .

Sunflower achenes (seeds) have been found at many archaeological sites in the U.S.  At prehistoric sites in Arizona, several sunflower disks have been found, as well as designs of the flowers incorporated in their pottery.  In 1492, after the discovery of America, the sunflower was taken to Europe and then to Russia.  After that it was reintroduced into America, which changed the flower--and now practically all the flowers cultivated in America are of Russian origin.

Perhaps the greatest use of the plant was for pulmonary, or lung afflictions.  Sunflowers were put to this use all over the world.  It was the main medical staple of many Indians.  The Dakota and the Pawnee Indians made a decoction from the head of the sunflower, which they would drink for respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis, lung infections and pleurisy.

The Chinese have used the fibers from the flower to make things like fabrics and paper.  One of the lightest substances known is the pith, which is the interior of the stalk.  This substance is used in scientific labs.

The plant has an amazing ability to absorb water from the soil, and because of this it has been used to reclaim marshland in the Netherlands.

Sunflower oil is used in a variety of different things such as salad dressings, cooking oils and in the manufacture of margarine and shortening.  Other industrial uses of the oil are for making paints and cosmetics.  The roasted seeds can make a coffee-like drink. In countries where the flowers can be grown, the seed cake that is left over after the oil is extracted is fed to livestock. 

In the Soviet Union the hulls are used in the manufacture of ethyl alcohol (also known as ethanol), in lining for plywood and for growing yeast .  Ethanol has widespread use as a solvent of substances intended for human contact or consumption, including scents, flavorings, colorings, and medicines.  In chemistry, it is both an essential solvent and a feedstock for the synthesis of other products.  It has a long history as a fuel for heat and light, and more recently as a fuel for our vehicles.  Fuel has also been made from the dried stems of the flower.  The stems also make a great fertilizer because they contain phosphorous and potassium.

 Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) a Sunflower relative common along Missouri roadsides

These awesome plants are more than just food for birds or an ornamental feature in a summer garden.  Sunflowers and their wild cousins are at their peak bloom in late summer and early fall.  

 Tickseed Sunflower (Bidens aristosa) another Sunflower family relative commonly seen in our area

In the next few weeks, here in Missouri, we will suddenly see them everywhere.  So the next time you’re driving to the World Bird Sanctuary, keep your eyes peeled for the swaths of yellow that blanket the fields and roadsides.  Those under-appreciated yellow flowers growing along the roadside are not “just a weed”.

Submitted by Jaimie Sansoucie, World Bird Sanctuary Seasonal Staff Member

Meet Batty and Scar!

Batty and Scar are Straw-colored Fruit Bats (Eidolon helvum).  

They can be found residing in World Bird Sanctuary’s Nature center when they are not traveling to schools and other venues to educate people about the importance of bats and the habitats where they are found.

 Like their wild brethren, Batty and Scar are communal animals and cling together whenever possible

Batty and Scar came to us in August of 2006 from the Milwaukee County Zoo.  They were both born in June of 2005.  Batty and Scar have only recently been moved to our Nature Center.  Before that they were housed in our Educational Training Center, behind the scenes at WBS.  

Contrary to myth, bats are really quite cute.

They are fast becoming a favorite of our visitors.  The first time people see them you can often hear “…bats – didn’t know they were that big…”, etc.  At first some people are put off by the many myths and common misconceptions about bats, but after a few minutes of viewing them, and when they actually see their faces, most people get very excited and you hear comments like “…how cute”.

 Batty & Scar are becoming popular education animals

Batty and Scar are still getting accustomed to being used for programs, and for outdoor programs must remain in their travel cage for safety, but they are doing great and had their first big weekend this past April at our first “Baturday” event. 

Batty and Scar are just two of the animals that can be adopted at WBS.  To adopt Batty or Scar you can make a donation of $75.00 for each, and specify in your payment notes “Adopt –A-Bat: Batty or Scar”.  Every donation helps to feed, house and provide medical care for the animals of your choice!

Adopt-a-Bird Parents receive:

·      A personal visit with the animal you adopt!!!! Call ahead to schedule a time for your personal visit.

·      Certificate of Adoption

·      Color photo of the animals you’ve adopted

·      Sponsorship card

·      One Year’s subscription to Mews News

·      Life History and Natural History of the animal

·      10% Discount off WBS merchandise Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day

·      Discounts on WBS Special Events

·      WBS Decal

Submitted by Cathy Spahn, World Bird Sanctuary Field Studies Coordinator

The Bird Who Stole My Heart

Have you ever experienced something that took you by surprise?  I have.

It all started at the end of April this year.  I was asked to care for a one month old Eurasian Eagle Owl chick.  He was hatched at the end of March this year in WBS’s propagation department Sunnen building, behind-the-scenes.  His parents, Martina and Sinbad, did a great job of bringing him into this world.

 All baby owls have that "innocent" look

When raising an owl for educational purposes, socialization is the first step.  This basically exposes them to many different environments, such as different people, places, and objects.  Showing birds various things allows them to become more comfortable around people and easily trainable in the future.  Since I have been caring for him, he has experienced many diverse things, such as traveling with me to Grant’s Farm (I am the supervisor for WBS at Grant’s Farm’s Animal Encounters show).

After a couple of days of having this one month old chick in my care, I decided he needed a name.  I thought for a long time and could not decide what to name him.  Finally, I looked in a baby book and found the perfect name--Emerson.  The name just clicks with him and his personality.  He is an adorable bird who is curious about everything.  For his enrichment he pounces on little down feathers, small bugs and balls of paper. 

 To look at him here you'd never guess what a large impressive creature he will become

The Eurasian Eagle Owl is one of the largest owls in the world! They have a wingspan ranging from 5 to 6 feet,  and they weigh between 3 ½ to 7 pounds.  These enormous owls stand to an impressive height of 2 to 2 ½ feet tall. Compare that to the smallest owl in the world, the Elf Owl. Those little guys weigh about 1½ ounces and are about the size of a sparrow!  An Eagle Owl’s diet in the wild consists of a wide variety of meat, such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, but mostly mammals.  The largest animal they have been known to prey upon is small deer.  They are native to Europe, Asia and North Africa and inhabit areas that have wooded habitats and rocky cliffs.  They like to nest on these cliffs and lay 2 to 4 eggs per clutch. 

Emerson trying out all that new adult plumage 

My experience with Emerson has been and will be unforgettable and will be one of my most cherished memories!  I have watched him grow from a small fluff ball to a large impressive adult.  I have trained him to go into his crate (and like it), stand on indoor and outdoor perches and stand on my glove. 

Because of his careful socialization he acts very calm on my glove when we walk around the site.  The first time he got on my glove was an amazing feeling.  He stood very tall looking around from his new vantage point. 

It was also heart stopping to watch him fly for the first time, even if it was a short distance (from my couch to my bed).  He has made me so proud of what he has accomplished, even if it is part of his natural instincts. 

Now what am I supposed to do with this? 

His first bath in his water bowl was very interesting to watch!  He didn’t know exactly what to do after he jumped in.  Emerson just stood there looking at me, seemingly waiting for advice.  A second later he jumped right out. Then after about 2 minutes of staring at the water he finally went back in again and took a very wet bath!

 OK, NOW I get the picture!

Do I sound like a proud parent?  Needless to say my heart is taken!!!

Submitted by Lisbeth Hodges, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist/Trainer

CHUDAN

Thursday Night, folk rock band Chudan plays at Birds in Concert!

Join us on Thursday, August 25^th, from 7pm – 8:30pm to enjoy Raptor Project music, followed by the folk rock band, Chudan.

CHUDAN (Japanese term for balance or centeredness) draws on a variety of musical traditions including blues, rock, folk, bluegrass and Americana as well as its own works.  The band includes Caelin Graber, Rocky Santhuff and Bob Warbin, musicians and singer/songwriters who select music that appeals to every member of the band -  songs and tunes that always seem fresh and enjoyable.  Band members play fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin and a variety of percussion instruments to entertain its audience.  

Admission and parking is FREE.  No reservations required.  Just bring yourself and your picnic.  Concessions will be on sale.

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri

International Vulture Awareness Day - Just Around The Corner

We love vultures!  Do you?

 Join us on Saturday, September 3^rd, as we celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day 2011!

 Meet 'Vader', WBS' new Black Vulture – on display for the first time at International Vulture Awareness Day 2011!

Ewwww, Vultures are Gross!  But we need them the most!  Find out more at World Bird Sanctuary as we take part in the international celebration of all things vulture. 

·      Kids will love the Vulture Knowledge Test Table and the scavenger hunt, with prizes.

·      Shows featuring vultures and other animals, as well as music from the Raptor Project.

·      Special vulture exhibits, including Turkey Vultures and an Andean Condor (on public display for the first time at World Bird Sanctuary).

 Dorothy, an Andean Condor that will be on display, has a wingspan of 10ft and a beak strong enough to rip through seal and whale hide.

Date: September 3^rd, 2011

Time: 10am – 3pm

Vulture shows: 11.30am and 2pm

Activities: Scavenger Hunt, Activities Table, Prizes!

 Turkey Vultures are native to Missouri.

Admission and parking is free!

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri

AVIAN TRAINING WORKSHOP

Only six weeks left to sign up for our Avian Training Workshop!  So if you've been waiting--now is the time. 

If you are a novice or are already experienced with birds of prey and training, but want to learn more, you should attend our “Avian Training Workshop” this November.  The workshop is an intensive 4-day long experience where you will learn from the senior staff at World Bird Sanctuary.  Part of the workshop is classroom lecture style, and part of it will be hands-on working with equipment and the birds themselves.  Some of the topics we will cover include:

Different species of birds utilized for education programs, which ones work best, and comparing hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, pelicans, horn bills, crows, ravens, parrots and other bird species.

Information about how to develop your own raptor center, the permits and necessary experience needed, insurance, etc.

How to best house raptors and other birds– perches, mews, jump boxes and other caging.  How best to protect weathering and exhibited raptors and other birds from potential predators, weather, etc. 

How to present education programs – dress code, scripts, voice protection exercises, audience participation and much more.

      Transportation of birds – driving, flying, shipping – how best to keep them safe and comfortable.

      Bird diets – what to feed, how to get and store the food, vitamins, etc.How to train your birds– what is a base weight, what is a target weight, creance line, flyer food, positive and negative reinforcement, and we train a White-necked Raven to perform a new behavior throughout the workshop!

      Hands-on making of jesses, anklets and leashes.  Learning how to imp feathers on a bird.

      Flying a bird!  A chance to fly a Harris’ Hawk or a Barn Owl and learn the correct techniques for free flying.

The registration fee includes your workshop guide. This guide contains a wealth of information, most of which is covered during the workshop, as well as additional information.  The class is small; we take a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 20 people.  But that also means that if you don’t act, the spaces could be filled.  Enroll today to insure your place in this unique and highly informative class, now in its 15^th year!!

 

The workshop runs from Thursday, Nov. 3^rd through Sunday, Nov. 6^th and the cost for the 4-day event is $650 per person (this includes lunch each day).  In order to register, we require a $100 non-refundable deposit by October 1^st, after that date the price will increase to $750 per person.

If you would like to learn more, or register for the workshop, please contact Teri Schroer at tschroer@worldbirdsanctuary.org or call 636-225-4390 ext. 3.

Onstage 8/18 - Nashville Country Artist Shelly Rann

Thursday Night, new country artist Shelly Rann plays at Birds in Concert!

Join us on Thursday, August 18^th, from 7pm – 8:30pm to enjoy Raptor Project music, followed by the new Nashville-signed country artist, Shelly Rann.

Shelly Rann is a charismatic performer with natural beauty, genuine charm and a sense of humor that immediately endears her to audiences everywhere.  In her young career, Shelly has had her songs featured on the NBC network award-winning prime time shows The West Wing and Third Watch. In addition, Shelly has shared the stage with Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, and Alabama, and has performed on the Capital Lawn for the President of the United States and 20,000 others to honor fallen officers at the National Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service.

  

Shelly is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky.  Following in the footsteps of many legendary performers from the Bluegrass state, she moved to Nashville to pursue her musical career. Her songwriting talent and uniquely gifted voice quickly caught the attention of the Nashville songwriting community and she has collaborated with some of the very best writers including Gary Burr (Christina Aguilera), Kent Blazy (Garth Brooks), Larry Cordle (Alison Krauss), and Mark Nesler (Tim McGraw). Her songs are introspective, and reflect her life experiences casting her as a true artist. As one of Nashville’s first call session singers she possesses one of the most beautiful, passionate, and expressive voices in music today.

Shelly has recently finished “Afterwords”, her first major studio album produced by Henry Paul of the multi-platinum country group BlackHawk and Dale Oliver (Bucky Covington), writing 9 of the 11 songs. This highly anticipated album is now available at Amazon.com and on iTunes.

Admission and parking is FREE.  No reservations required.  Just bring yourself and your picnic.  Concessions will be on sale.

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri

The IceBird Cometh!

It’s always exciting when a new bird joins the WBS family.  And with our most recent addition, there’s A LOT to be excited about.

Meet Thor, our three-month-old Steller’s Sea Eagle. 

Thor arrived on June 14 on loan from the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio, faithfully chauffeured by our founder, Walter Crawford.  He was installed in a spacious chamber in the Sunnen Breeding Barn, behind the scenes, while he learns to get accustomed to people and while he is being trained. 

Thor voices his opinion about his new accommodations

Roger Wallace, our lead eagle trainer, and I have been feeding him three times a day, usually with an audience of a few interns and volunteers.  Thor’s favorite food switches back and forth between rat and fish; you never really know which he’s going to prefer.  He also enjoys hanging out in the corner of his chamber, on the exact opposite side from the nice box Roger set up for him.

Thor meets Roger Wallace, our lead eagle trainer

The Steller’s Sea Eagle is native to the eastern coasts of Russia, and winters south into the northernmost island of Japan.  This eagle is listed as a vulnerable species, as there are less than 5,000 Steller’s Sea Eagles in the wild population.  Habitat loss and lead poisoning are two main reasons for the decline of this majestic animal. Steller’s Sea Eagles are considered by some to be the largest eagle in the world, and if you’re judging by weight you would be absolutely right.  Members of this species have weighed in at between 13 and 20 pounds.  One record indicates that a female Steller’s Sea Eagle who had gorged herself on salmon came in at a whopping 28 pounds! 

With his large beak Thor is set to give Jimmy Durante a run for the "Schnoz" title

In addition to their heavyweight status, Steller’s Sea Eagles also have wingspans of up to eight feet, and have some of the largest and most powerful looking beaks in the raptor world.  Of course, Thor still looks like his beak is eight sizes too big for his face, but that large schnoz will make for a striking profile later in his life. 

Thor isn’t quite as big as his wild brethren yet, but the little guy still isn’t so little.  Even at only three months, he already weighs ten pounds.  That’s heavier than some of our fully grown bald eagles!  I experienced this girth firsthand when Roger and I put his first set of anklets on last week.  I had to hold him still while Roger worked, and let me tell you, there is nothing small about this bird. 

Thor hasn’t seemed to figure out how his talons work yet, but like many other sea eagles, he likes to try to bite his way out of his problems.  Other than that, he was as calm as could be expected for a bird getting fitted for equipment for the first time.  The next step is to glove train him. This probably means I should lift some weights.  Thor won’t get any lighter.

All in all, Thor is off to a very good start here at World Bird Sanctuary. He is poised to become very popular with staff, volunteers and visitors alike.  We are are happy to have him.

Submitted by Emily Hall, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist/ETC

Up Close Experience With a Red Bat

 On July 1, 2011, while assisting with a mist net bird banding session for our summer interns, I had a first ever experience!

I saw something strange in the net, but wasn't sure what it was.

On one of our net runs, where we check the mist nets for birds, I took WBS intern Cassandra Braun up to the woods nets across from our lower feed station, which is on the road to our behind-the-scenes area (this road is opened to hikers).  As we were walking up to one of the nets I could see something unusual in the net, but I was not sure at first what it was.  Once we got closer I realized it was a Red Bat.  Cassandra and I looked at it and then I sent her to get me some leather gloves. 

 It turned out to be one very angry Red Bat

In order to safely handle a bat I knew I would need heavy gloves, because they could possibly carry rabies.  Remember, less than one percent of bats carry rabies, but gloves were a must.

All of the interns, Colleen (volunteer) and Linda (bander in charge and volunteer) arrived.  Wearing the gloves I carefully removed the Red Bat from the net.   We had a total of three gloves so I handed one glove over to Colleen to assist with holding the net tighter so I could get a better hold of the bat.  We also used a crochet hook which we routinely use to assist us with removing the birds from the net.  A few moments later the bat was out of the net. 

 Extracting the bat from the net with the help of heavy gloves and a crochet hook

This little Red Bat made plenty of noise to let us know just what it thought of all of the attention, and took every opportunity to bite the gloves.  Fortunately the gloves did their job and his attempts to “defend” himself were futile.  Everyone got to watch and those with cameras took photos.   We released the bat away from the nets, but still close to the area where it was caught.  It flew away chattering and voicing its opinion about the entire episode.  It was an amazing experience.

 He was very vocal about the whole experience

The bat in the net was a first for me.  I have been bird banding for years in many different locations and have never caught a bat in the net before.  I have seen many photos over the years of people mist netting bats as part of a study and I have always wanted to do that.  I finally had my chance! 

Avoid handling bats found on the ground, but if you must, never handle them without heavy leather gloves 

The interesting thing is that this year I have been spending a lot of time trying to find Red Bats in the trees because I know we have them in the area, so finding this bat in the net was truly special.  Because of my experience with animals, and particularly with our two bats at World Bird Sanctuary, it made for a safe extraction of this interesting mammal.  Plus, it was a learning experience for everyone watching that day. 

The Red Bat, Lasiurus borealis, is found in forests and forest edges from Southern Canada to Northeastern Mexico.  They are common in Missouri and are our second largest bat in Missouri.  They weigh 7-15 grams and have a 1-foot wingspan.  Red Bats are nocturnal, but have been seen flying on warm winter days.  During the day they hang 4 to 10 feet above the ground among dense foliage often mimicking dead leaves or pinecones.   Red Bats are solitary except during mating and migration.  The males are deep reddish brown with a distinctive white collar and adult females are duller orange or yellow.

 This was a once in a lifetime experience

I have to say this was one of the coolest experiences I have had!

If you’ve never had a close look at a bat please be sure to visit our two Straw Colored Fruit Bats, Batty and Scar, the next time you visit the World Bird Sanctuary.  They are housed in our Nature Center, which is open 363 days of the year.

Submitted by Cathy Spahn, World Bird Sanctuary Field Studies Coordinator

Idle Hands and Minds?

Looking for something to keep the kids busy this summer?

Have you heard about our Resource Nest Boxes?  We have four different boxes available on different topics that offer hours of entertainment and a wealth of information. 

These boxes contain more interesting and fun activities, games, music, videos, books and props than children will know what to do with.  The best part is that our Resource Nest Boxes are both educational and environmentally friendly.  They can be checked out for a two week period for a nominal fee of only $25.00 through our Education Department, located at our Nature Center.

The Resource Nest Boxes are a great addition to a classroom curriculum, for home schoolers, scout leaders or for kids that just want to have fun and learn more about our great planet.  Topics include:  Protect Our Planet, Rocks Rock, Talon Tote and Where We Live.

I want to highlight just one of our Resource Nest Boxes in particular:  Protect Our Planet.

The focus of this box is the importance of conservation, and how each and every one of us has an impact – good or bad.  This is an important subject that we touch on in each and every one of our Environmental Education Programs.  The contents of this box will cover a multitude of topics that should be considered in order to “Protect Our Planet”, such as: saving energy and water, recycling, global warming, considering the products that we purchase, composting, deadly trash and litter, etc.

This box offers a total of nine different books, a puzzle depicting the Circle of Life, a card game, knowledge cards, two CD’s recorded by World Bird Sanctuary’s own band, “The Raptor Project”, three VHS videos, a paper making kit, educational cards about fishing methods, five posters, a fishing game, recycling crafts and many other activities.

If you would like to reserve one of our Resource Nest Boxes please call the Education Department at 636-225-4390 ext. 0.

Submitted by Billie Baumann, World Bird Sanctuary Outreach Coordinator

Javier Mendoza On Our Stage 8/11

Thursday Night, Javier Mendoza returns to play at Birds in Concert!

Join us on Thursday, August 11^th, from 7pm – 8:30pm to enjoy Raptor Project music, followed by the ever-popular Javier Mendoza.

Javier has received many honors throughout his career. He is currently nominated for Best Solo Artist at The 2010-2011 Riverfront Time’s Music Awards. He was voted Best Male Vocalist by the Reader’s Poll at the 2009 Riverfront Time’s Music Awards, and also in 2009 KDHX Radio voted Javier Best Latin Artist.

 Javier Mendoza

With 11 albums spanning 11 years Javier demonstrates that he knows where he comes from and where he is going.  On each CD he combines new influences, new musical inspirations and life experiences with the common thread of hope for the future.  His dedication to creating new and different material and his passion for live performance keeps bringing the fans back again and again.  Whether he’s playing for 10 people or a crowd of 10,000, Javier makes each show unforgettable.  The physical and emotional energy he delivers is truly amazing and must be experienced to be believed.

Rather than focusing primarily on the future he is focusing on “Now” and how incredible the journey of life can be if you let it.  For Javier living in the “Now” is about personal growth, working with great musicians, new fans, long time fans, and welcoming all that life has to offer without hesitation.  When the big record labels come knocking Javier will be ready but until then, he plans to make the most of every second. 

Admission and parking is FREE.  No reservations required.  Just bring yourself and your picnic.  Concessions will be on sale.

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri

e-Scrip and Schnucks Help World Bird Sanctuary

Thank You Schnucks!  Thank You E-Scrip Shoppers!

You helped Schnucks Markets donate $2,269.06 to World Bird Sanctuary last year!  We have over 764 shoppers who swipe their e-Scrip card every time they shop at Schnucks.  Based on the final amount of their grocery bill, Schnucks donates a certain percentage of that bill to World Bird Sanctuary, at no cost to the shopper!

 World Bird Sanctuary presents over 1,000 environmental education programs per year.

So, just by shopping at Schnucks and using an e-Scrip card, you have made it possible for Schnucks to help the World Bird Sanctuary Office of Wildlife Learning to continue to present environmental education programs.  On average, OWL presents over 1,000 education programs per year that reach approximately 200,000.  Each person who sees one of our environmental education programs is equipped with the tools and facts to help them make decisions that will reduce their impact on our environment.

 If you have an e-Scrip card you can help World Bird Sanctuary every time you shop at Schnucks.

If you shop at Shnucks, you can help too, at no cost to you!  Simply pick up an e-scrip card at World Bird Sanctuary or at any Schnucks Markets store, register the card for World Bird Sanctuary, and hand it to the cashier at checkout.  Schnucks will do the rest to make sure that we receive their donation, based on a percentage of your bill when you shop.