Rachel Louchen reports from Sharon. The Sharon Audubon holds a fundraising event every spring, but this year's festivities, Raptors & Riesling, was held on site for the first time ever, to allow guests to observe the birds and view the facilities and vast grounds. On Sunday, May 29, nearly 350 guests came out to support the bird sanctuary and get a look at the brand new 60-foot flight aviary which allows wounded birds to practice flying in safety. Proceeds raised will go to rehabilitation efforts for Audubon, which has cared for over 10,000 birds in its 40 years of service. The wildly successful turnout "shows how the Northwest Corner of Connecticut is connected to wildlife," says center director Sean Grace (above, with Ann Leiberman), thanks to longtime supporters, passionate board members and nearly 100 volunteers. The party included the standard fare of drinks, hors d'oeuvres and music, with appearances by broad-winged hawks, great horned owls and the occasional hooting.
Board members Susan Allen and Kathleen Fuhr; Kit Nieslon, Jeff Yates and Noelle Chiafari.
Members Cynthia Steele and Joseph Dwyer from Kent; Bruce and Kathryn Taylor.
Wildlife rehabilitator and outreach specialist Sunny Bettley and Dr. Erica Giles, veterinarian; Alicia and Matthew Winter.
Supporters Elaine and Lou Hecht flank Beth Isler.
Karin Crawford and Jack Isler; Board member Charlie Wright with Mavis Wright.
Adlai Hardin and Margaret Douglas-Hamilton; Sunny Bettley lets guests get up close to an owl.
Thao Matlock and Scott Mattlock from Salisbury.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
