The June 5 Bash and Benefit, “A Soaring Soiree,” was a soaring success!
The highlight of the evening was having a majestic Red-Tailed Hawk, a wise Great Horned Owl, and an unbelievably adorable Saw Whet Owl, in attendance. The birds were available for close study and photo ops early in the evening. Later, their handlers, our own Mac MacIntosh and her colleague Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance, Marjorie Berman, presented a fascinating program about the birds and about the Alliance’s work to rehabilitate injured wildlife. Our thanks to Pam Hinish and Tony Trumbly for making their visit possible.
Speaking of making things possible, our Evergreen area businesses came through with flying colors, despite their having had a challenging year. In fact, in addition sponsorships, more than 5 dozen silent auction, “buy now,” and raffle items were donated and sold or auctioned for top dollar to benefit Evergreen Nature Center.
Members and friends also came through, offering one-of-a-kind auction items and fun experiences for sale or bid. Many of us got great deals on items we couldn’t live without (I scored a woodland-themed fleece bathrobe!) while others paid top dollar to secure the evening’s most coveted items, including restaurant gift certificates and chocolate. Either way, Evergreen Nature Center was the real beneficiary and we thank you! Please see the lists of sponsors and donors, patronize the businesses and say “thanks” to the donors.
I want to send a special hoot out to the Gomolka/Gajajiva family for donating the big raffle prize, 3 nights at their Vail condo; and to Lisa and David Wald for offering 3 nights at their Crested Butte condo for our live auction! Talk about feathering the nest!
But it was the paddle raise that really took off. Interpretive signage for our gardens and electronic enhancements for the bird room at the nature center were funded in full. Then, nearly $4,000 was raised for scholarships so that children can participate in our nature-based programming regardless of their families’ ability to pay. That is simply AMAZING! …and isn’t that what it’s all about?
Thank you to the hardworking Bash committee: Carol Burdick, Margo Constable, Ann Dodson, Linda Engelhart, Kathy Madison, Holly Marr, Lisa Wald, and Emma Vasicek; their ever-patient families; our dedicated Board of Directors; the volunteers who helped in so many ways; and everyone who bought tickets, donated, sponsored, bid, paddled, and bought.
We are SOARING because of your generous support!
Bash 2026 Photo Gallery
Thank you to Holly Marr for all these photos!
