Save Our Seabirds soirée breaks records

Bird lovers gathered at the 10th Annual Sunset Soirée benefiting Save Our Seabirds on April 13 at Michael’s on East, located at 1212 S. East Ave.

The event was originally scheduled at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens, but due to inclement weather, it had to be moved.

“My small but mighty committee of seven women pulled off a record-breaking event,” said Linda Mitchell, chair of the Sunset Soirée. “We exceeded previous attendance records by 100 people.”

Mitchell explained that Michael’s on East helped convert the event from its original location to their venue in 48 hours. 

“We ended up raising over half a million dollars, and I had a goal of 280 attendees, which we reached,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell explained that the funds will help start the process of converting 32 aviaries to new structures because they are now worn.

“We want to use aluminum because the older ones are made of wood. I’d like to acquire the best bird habitats available,” said Mitchell.

Another area Mitchell would like to focus on is drawing plans to upgrade and expand the hospital, which is “the heart of the mission.”

The event entailed a silent and live auction, as well as a paddle raise.

“One couple that attended the event offered to match dollar for dollar during the paddle raise. It was a high-energy group and it broke records,” said Mitchell.

Aaron Virgin, CEO of Save Our Seabirds, explained that the group's mission is to save, rescue and rehabilitate injured birds with the goal of releasing them back to their natural habitat.