- April 23, 2024
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Mike Haycock, Gary Ulrich, Mike Seamon and Jon Berg
Lyn Haycock, Laurie Wolfe, Cyndi Seamon and Nick Gladding
Linda Rhinelander, Cynthia Craig, Ken Schneier and Lisa Hartmann
Jan Farber, Linda Mitchell and Cecy Siegler
Mark Hammer, Janet Hammer, Jill Gallin and Michael Gallin
Mel Rhinelander, Steve Siegler, Bob Wolfe and David Spelton
Delicate birds decorated the glasses.
CEO Aaron Virgin and aviary vet Maria Passarelli with volunteers Dave Gnass, Linda Gnass and Barbara Kerr
The Dreaming Tree was filled with tiny birds amongst blooms.
Sandi Jannetta, Sarah Karon and Amy Goldman
Nata Loginova painted during the event, and the result was auctioned off.
Teasley Rubick, Brigitta Sultana and Crystal Milligan
About 200 people attended the event.
Save Our Seabirds' Sunset Soiree took flight on March 24 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. More than 200 people attended to support the wildlife rescue association at its annual fundraiser.
The 2022 soiree was the ninth edition for the organization, but the first for Aaron Virgin, who became CEO in August 2021. Since the last soiree was held, full-time vet Dr. Maria Passarelli also joined Save Our Seabirds, so the pair were meeting many supporters for the first time. Virgin is focused on the future of the organization, which includes expanding the education program and services of the hospital.
"Our focus is the birds and the hospital and really upgrading our behind-the-scenes and the habitats of our non-releasable birds," Virgin said.
Among the attendees were several bird rescue volunteers, like Longboat Key residents Dave and Linda Gnass and Barbara Kerr. They've made many rescues over the years, and are excited to have had Passarelli on board. Volunteers, staff, board members and other attendees mingled around the room before dinner began.
