Wildlife Rescue held it's 25th anniversary party on Saturday, September 18, and it was a fabulous and enjoyable event. A total of 68 guests attended, including WRI founders Jeanie Collins and Sue Hons and several other Life members.
Amidst good food, awards, prize drawings, a great birthday cake and beautiful harp music by Kristal Schwartz, we all celebrated the dedication, love for wildlife, and important friendships that make Wildlife Rescue such a special place.
Our thanks to the following people for their special contributions to this event: Tina Peak, DVM, for acting as the master of ceremonies during our awards presentations, and Captain Tom Belt of the California Department of Fish and Game, for showing his support of Wildlife Rescue and other area rehab groups through his attendance and kind words.
WRI volunteers and staff worked hard to plan this event, and it showed! Susie Brain, Martha Kudlacik, Terri Lambert, Judith Reuss, Sarah Scanlon, Marilyn and Phil Scowcroft, Sandra Skolnik, and Nancy Tantzen took care of all planning and preparation for the party. They were joined on the big day by Dianna Bonogofsky, Sam Brain, Julie and Richard Davies, Pam Haunschild, Mark Scanlan, and Steve Utt, who helped with decorations, setup, and baking.
Final thanks go to our wonderful neighbor Piazza's Fine Foods, who catered the event with fabulous food, and even donated one of the platters. We are also grateful to WRI volunteer (and Draeger's employee) Lynne Blazer and Draeger's, who donated our entire delicious and beautifully decorated birthday cake.
In addition, Melinda Nakagawa, WRI's Friday evening shift captain, and her florist shop, Mari Florist, arranged the beautiful centerpiece of the buffettable and donated eight vases of freshly cut flowers to decorate other tables in the courtyard. Melinda's flowers continue to brighten our shelter and our events.
Susie Brain introduces our wonderful master of ceremonies, Dr. Tina Peak.
Dr. Tina Peak lists the many merits of Teri Furey, WRI's hard-working Squirrel Team Leader.
Long-time volunteer Judith Reuss receives a thank-you gift for her years of service.
WRI volunteers sit back and enjoy the awards ceremony.
Sarah Scanlan presents Marilyn Scowcroft with a thank-you gift for her 24 years of dedicated service.
Captain Tom Belt of the California Department of Fish and Game addresses the volunteers with words of support and inspiration.
Dr. Tina Peak and Sarah Scanlan presetnt a gift to Courtenay Dawson-Roberts for her 23 years of service to WRI.
Captain Belt and Susie Brain share a light moment during the awards ceremony.
WRI board members (minus Martha Kudlacik) pose with founders. Left to right: Pam Haunschild, director, Lori Isakson, secretary, Sue Hons and Jeanie Collins, founders, and Sandra Skolnik, president.
