By Katherine Voss
On March 30th, about 75 bird, art and music lovers celebrated how birds inspire us and especially our creativity! As attendees sipped wine and beer and nibbled on delicious finger foods while listening to lovely piano music, they browsed gorgeous artwork, photographs and crafts contributed by local artisans to the silent auction. Two classically trained singers with their accompanist wrapped up the evening’s entertainment.
More than $6,000 was raised from this first-time event (woohoo!) which will be used by our Youth Education Committee to educate Eastside grade school children about birds and conservation. Furthermore, it will also be used to support Eastside Audubon’s monthly program nights where nationally recognized speakers discuss topics relevant to birds and the environment as well as to expand our public offerings that promote birds and habitat restoration.
This event would not have taken flight without the donations, help and dedication of many people. A HUGE thank you goes to our many donors for their beautiful bird and nature inspired creations for the silent auction. We’re also very grateful to the local businesses that donated their services and products to the auction showing their support for Eastside Audubon. A toast to Woodinville’s Chateau Ste. Michelle for providing fine wine. Cheers to our new executive director, Sheila Ritchie and her husband Brad Fawcett for providing the beer!
A special note of thanks toJan Rettig for the beautiful background piano music she played throughout the event. And a great dept of gratitude to our singers, Tiina Ritalahti and Carol Voss, accompanied by Elizabeth Moore, who performed solo pieces and duets about birds or nature in multiple languages.
New chapter member Char Coulbert, not only provided the delicious food for the event, but also worked through endless logistic details leading up to and during the event. Sheila Ritchie and logistics expert Jill Keeney spent many hours planning and addressing administrative details to keep the event on track. Your dedication and many hours of service were much appreciated!
And many many thanks to the attendees who, through their generosity, made this event spectacularly successful!
Creativity and nature go hand in hand. Both feed the soul. Many birders who love the arts had an opportunity to connect with each other and meet new friends at the Soirée. We look forward to future events where we can celebrate the artistry of birds, share our passions with like-minded people, and indulge our senses while raising money for a great cause!
