In a room packed with 480 generous, wildlife-loving people, the stage was set for our first PAWS Wild Night success. Not only did we sell out two weeks before the event, but we doubled our expected revenue.

Together we raised over $128,000 to help build our Large Mammal Rehabilitation Center! We are so proud of this very significant contribution to building the new facility. Thanks to everyone for their active bidding, and for those who weren’t lucky enough to go home with any items, thanks for upping the winners’ bids!

Volunteers Annie MacLachlan and Erin McNamara welcomed guests. Kudos to all the volunteers at PAWS Wild Night.

The PAWS Wildlife Center offered some rare experiences in the auction lineup:

VIP sponsor of a wild animal—following a creature’s life from admission to eventual return to the wild ($3,000 bid.)

Experiencing the joyful moment of a PAWS wildlife release for an owl, bear, and bald eagle ($2,000 each.)

Witnessing the work of a skilled surgeon striving to save the life of a wild animal ($800 bid.)

Treasure Chest volunteer Jonathan Riley poses with the lucky winner, former Governor Mike Lowry, whose key opened the treasure chest. Upon winning the prize, Gov. Lowry donated the contents back to PAWS!

One of the most exciting moments of the evening was the enthusiastic response to our Fund-an-Item. With a spontaneous match from PAWS Board member Gary Lukowski, contributions totaled $8,400 for what we affectionately call "Bear TV." This closed circuit camera monitor system allows the PAWS wildlife staff to observe the animals, while ensuring they are unaware of being watched. It is the perfect solution; animals stay wild while their progress is monitored throughout the rehabilitation process.

Special thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests who made our premier auction a Wild Night to remember!