Wild Brunch Recap

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By Development Coordinator Heather Patrice Brown

At each Wild Brunch event, one of the highlights of the is the release of an animal rehabilitated by California Wildlife Center. This year, guests had the opportunity to witness the release of three northern mockingbirds and a red-tailed hawk. The hawk was released by a lucky winner during the live-auction portion of the event.

At each Wild Brunch event, one of the highlights of the is the release of an animal rehabilitated by California Wildlife Center. This year, guests had the opportunity to witness the release of three northern mockingbirds and a red-tailed hawk. The hawk was released by a lucky winner during the live-auction portion of the event. Photo by Jeff Hall.

On Sunday, September 25th, 2016, California Wildlife Center (CWC) welcomed hundreds of guests to the 18th Annual “The Wild Brunch, Wild and Wonderful!” The event was held at the beautiful Gull’s Way Estate in Malibu overlooking the Pacific Ocean from 1pm to 5pm.

Gourmet vegetarian cuisine, wine, and beverages were offered from more than twenty local vendors.  Guests were able to bid on over 200 silent auction packages from art, to beauty products, to adventures for the whole family. Psychic and energy healers were also on hand to provide free sessions.  Artist Matthew Laurence Knott created live art with a beautiful dolphin sculpture at the event, courtesy of Funny Zoo.

Younger guests had their faces painted, decorated flower pots to take home, helped paint a large bear statue in the Kids’ Zone, and were able to witness three mockingbirds rehabilitated at California Wildlife Center released to the wild.

The Live Auction included exciting packages to Europe, the Sea of Cortez, and Bali, along with the opportunity to release a red-tailed hawk to the wild at the event!

California Wildlife Center was able to exceed its goal of raising $250,000 to support its native wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs. CWC Board Member, Victoria Harris, and volunteer, Julie Gluck, co-chaired this year’s event. Conspicuous at the event was also an army of teal-shirted volunteers from the National Charity League, mothers and daughters who help with the event every year.

Victoria Harris brought the California Wildlife Center staff members present on stage to recognize the work they do.  Executive Director, Jennifer Brent, thanked attendees and spoke of the importance of protecting native wildlife.