The 2014 Fete Du Feather Gala & Auction, Fly Me To The Moon, was an
absolutely delightful evening filled with great people, beautiful animals and
energizing entertainment. The night was a great success for World Bird
Sanctuary as we exceeded our fundraising goal.
The photo op with Xena the Eurasian Owl was the first thing guests encountered as they entered (photo: Sandra Lowe)
Guests began arriving around 5:30 pm and were greeted at the
entrance to the event by Xena, a Eurasian
Eagle Owl. Attendees lined up for
the opportunity to not only meet Xena, but were tickled by the amazing
opportunity to have a photo taken with her, courtesy of Sandra Lowe and her
beautiful photography. With the
help of WBS staff, guests were able to hold Xena in their photos.
Guests had their photo taken holding Xena through the combined efforts of staff member Lisbeth Hodges and the photography of volunteer Sandra Lowe (photo: Alisha Cole)
Guests then moved into the
silent auction room where they were able to browse through auction items while
mingling with and meeting staff, volunteers
and animals from the World Bird Sanctuary. Guests also mingled with the talented Marilyn Monroe and
Frank Sinatra impersonators who entertained us later in the evening.
During the silent auction guests mingled with entertainers and WBS animals and staff (photo: Alisha Cole)
Rene Knott, News Channel 5 KSDK Sports Reporter, emceed the
event and kicked off the night with the Super Silent Auction. Rene Knott was fantastic throughout the
evening keeping everyone entertained and energized. Rene has a remarkable enthusiasm for the mission of World
Bird Sanctuary and we thank Rene Knott for emceeing such a fantastic,
successful event.
WBS Executive Director Walter Crawford kicked off the Fund A Need dinner portion of the festivities (photo: Alisha Cole)
Next, guests moved into the beautifully decorated ballroom
for dinner and honored speakers.
Founder and Executive Director of World Bird Sanctuary, Walter Crawford,
welcomed everyone with jokes and many thanks for their support of WBS.
Dr. Stacey Schaeffer, volunteer Veterinarian for 16 years,
spoke of the vital importance for support and her love for WBS. Other guest speakers included Scott
Liebel from Ameren MO. Scott is
also Vice President of the WBS Board of
Directors. Richard Mark, director of Ameren
Illinois and Dr. Peter Raven, President Emeritus of the Missouri Botanical
Garden, also made uplifting speeches for the event.
Staff member Cathy Spahn and Tundra the Snowy Owl (photo: Alisha Cole)
The highlight of the evening was the Fund-A-Need Auction.
Barn Owl, Minerva flew over the seated guests wowing the crowd. WBS staff came onto the stage one at a
time with different WBS birds as emcee Rene
Knott and auctioneer Rob Weiman introduced each staff member and bird while
explaining the importance of donations and how the funds raised are used to
support WBS.
The evening was a huge
success and World Bird Sanctuary exceeded their fundraising goals. Many thanks to all that supported this
wonderful event for it would not be possible without your support. Thank You.
No comments:
Post a Comment