Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, a Hampton Bays-based not-for-profit committed to the rehabilitation of wild animals impacted by the intrusion of humans in their habitat, and Quogue Wildlife Refuge, a 300 acre non-profit nature preserve that was founded in 1934 and provides sanctuary to a wide array of wildlife, are joining forces to host Wild Things! – a Silent Auction, Chinese Auction, and Art Exhibition Fundraiser.
“We are so excited to team up with Quogue Wildlife Refuge for this first time fundraiser,” shared Shelley Berkoski, Director of Development at Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center.
“Both organizations do excellent work, and this will be a great way for folks in the community to understand the very different roles each wildlife organization has in the community,” added Marisa Nelson, Assistant Director of Quogue Wildlife Refuge. “Tickets start at only $55 for a great night out at 230 Elm in Southampton.”
Although both organizations help local animals in need, their inaugural joint benefit is the result of a chance encounter. “It started out as an accident with two of our supporters working together each contacting both organizations thinking we were the same organization,” Berkoski explained. “It happens all the time.”
Taking place at 230 Elm in Southampton on Saturday, May 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. partygoers can explore works by local artist Dean Andrews that were inspired by the poem Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird, and if you happen to make a connection with a particular pieces, you can purchase it and Andrews will donate half of the proceeds to Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center and Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Attendees will also be treated to hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar – one complimentary cocktail is included in the ticket price – and have the chance to mingle with some of Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center and Quogue Wildlife Refuge’s extraordinary residents. Exciting Silent Auction and Chinese Auction items will also be up for grabs – winners need not be present to win – and there will be a 50/50 raffle.
“Our two organizations complement each other,” noted Berkoski. “We are hoping this will help to bring awareness to the differences between us as well as more awareness to orphaned and injured local wildlife.”
“We hope you can make it to this special evening!” added Nelson.
Tickets to Wild Thing are $55.
230 Elm is located at 230 Elm Street in Southampton. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com.