Giving A Voice to Waterbirds Through Conservation
By Susan Payne
A spectacular soiree is coming to Los Angeles to help showcase the historical and important work of International Bird Rescue, a global conservation organization that has responded to over 250 oil spills and wildlife emergencies and cared for more than 160,000 birds on six continents since its inception in 1971. Bird Rescue’s mission is to inspire people to act toward balance with the natural world by rescuing waterbirds in crisis.
Embrace glitz and glamor while making a difference in the lives of birds during the Soaring Twenties Benefit on the evening of June 8 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Promising a night of opulence, style and grandeur, International Bird Rescue presents Hailey Winslow, an actress, FOX Los Angeles reporter, adventure travel television host and friend of Bird Rescue, as master of ceremony. Guests can look forward to the incredible words of keynote speaker Tammah Watts, a bird storyteller, therapist and author of Keep Looking Up: Your Guide to the Powerful Healing of Birdwatching, followed by the live, vibrant sounds of 20s and 30s Jazz-era music alongside a mix of modern pop, jazz and lounge hits from The Gatsby Gang.
International Bird Rescue aims to give a voice to waterbirds through conservation, emergency response, rehabilitation and research. Its history dates back to 1971 with founder Alice Berkner, a retired nurse and animal lover who helped to invent and formalize oiled bird rehabilitation following the Standard Oil accident in the San Francisco Bay.
The organization rehabilitates about 3,500-6,000 birds each year. The most treated bird species include Brown Pelicans, Western Gulls, Northern Fulmars, Western Grebes, American Coots, Common Loons, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Great Blue Herons.
“Our work saves lives each and every day. Whether orphaned, injured or fish-hooked, birds need us, and thanks to our volunteers and supporters we are able to respond, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild,” said Alex Domeyko, Director of Development and Partnerships.
Bird Rescue has crisis response centers in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Anchorage. The Soaring Twenties Benefit is the first major fundraising event the organization has held in Los Angeles. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s work in emergency preparedness and response, day-to-day aquatic bird care and scientific research.
Tickets for the soiree cost $200 with early bird pricing available until May 1st. Regular ticket prices increase to $225 after the first. The event includes dinner buffet and cash bar, a silent auction, live music, a best-dressed contest, and more. Millennium Biltmore offers daily and valet parking. Attendees are encouraged to don Gatsby or formal attire, spread their wings, and celebrate an evening of compassion and community.
“Your attendance at our benefit supports an incredibly worthy cause – we are all part of the natural world. Come enjoy a night of food, cocktails, music and fun at our Soaring Twenties event and make a difference for birds and nature,” Domeyko said.
To learn more about International Bird Rescue and its Soaring Twenties Benefit, visit birdrescue.org. Soaring Twenties Benefit tickets can be purchased here. To become a sponsor for the Soaring Twenties Benefit, email info@birdrescue.org.
