Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Democrat (FL)

as provided by Knight-Ridder Digital

Posted on Sun, May. 29, 2005

A wildly successful gala

Wild things went on at City Hall on Friday the 13th, during a fund-raising gala for St. Francis Wildlife Association - the first event in the Tallahassee Wildlife Festival, a weekend jampacked with activities. With a birds-of-prey demonstration, music, art, food, a live auction and a wandering puppet show, the place was jumping.

St. Francis rescues and cares for more than 3,500 sick, injured and orphaned animals and wild birds each year. Throughout the year, the organization also provides an educational outreach program to schools and various community organizations.

Jon Johnson, executive director, and Sandy Beck, education director, and compassionate volunteers such as Bob Beck, Sandy's husband, Judy Gillan, Sandy Stevens, Mari McCully, Sigrid Fain, Nancy Brand, Sally McCabe, Elyse and Amelia Lin, Sandra Iasiello, Carrie Christmas, Deb Armenti, Joe Baldwin, Pauline Hurst, Linda Barrett, Theresa Westerfield, Dennis Tyus, Jan Collier, Shelby Bush, Barbara and Bill Sullivan, brothers Trent and Travis Sullivan, James Skiver, Mark Goodwin, Jennifer Craig, Kate Bollone, Tammy Brennan, Candi Aubin and Kelly Holmes helped pull off a glorious affair to raise money and awareness about SFWA's purpose.

Peg and Gary Griffin, Joan Guilday, Earlette Head, Brian and Cherie Rowland, Jeff Peters, Clint Riley, Carole Fitzgerald, Brett Beserock, Salvatore Riveccio, Kelly Stewart, Michelle and Jay Rankin, Dana Bryan, Gwendolyn Waldorf, Kate McFall, Rhonda Work, Lynne Liska, Mike and Shelley Yaun, Craig Shaw, David Arnold, Jonathan and Helen Livingston, Marshall and Donna Frinks, June Wiaz, Emily Moline, Dan and Alison Kiser, Tammy and Robert Derwick, Mariano Rodriguez, Alex Cortinas, Sally and Dean Jue, and Richard and Eileen Roberts perused the hundreds of items that were up for auction. There were wildlife paintings and sculpture by George Weymouth, original artwork on stone by Dawn Peffer, raku pottery and jewelry by Barbara Doremus, Thomas Eads' nature photography, watercolors by Tina Fleming, pet portraits by Anita Collins, copper sculpture by Wendy and David Dee, raku pottery by Robin Rodgers, nature photography by Diana Langston and jewelry by Jonathan Livingston.

Laura Phipps and Rick Kiser, David and Angelica Kampf, Dr. Nancy Phillips, Tom and Tami Tomasello, Susan Cerulean, Bucky McMahon and Heather Montanye, Steve Leitman, Sue and Joe DeLuca, Jim Roche and Alexa Kleinbard, Nancy McNeal and Cynthia Cowen sampled appetizers prepared by some of Tallahassee's notable restaurants such as Kool Beanz, Chez Pierre, Barnacle Bill's, Lucy Ho's, New Leaf Cafe, Albert's Provence, KarlMark's, Kitcho's, Mockingbird Cafe, Cabo's, Bonefish, Mozaik, Honey Baked Ham and Barnaby's.

James Valentine's photograph of a barred owl at sunrise was used for the official poster for the festival and the photographer was on hand to sign his work. He also presented a slide show that explored Florida's ecosystems. Velma Frye's vocals added to the beauty of the presentation.

Julie Montanaro and Mark Quincy Adams were the evening's emcees. The auctioneer was Penny Herman. Musicians Ira Sullivan, from Miami, Christian Tamburr and Brian Hall donated their time and talents. There was even a wandering puppet show with puppeteers David Moynahan and Crystal Wakoa of Heart of the Earth.

With a lot of hard work, and more than a little help from their friends, St. Francis Wildlife Association's evening of fun had raised more than $28,000. After expenses they are expecting to net close to $26,000 - just in time for the spring baby-critter season!

Please send information about upcoming events for Around Town column to Zilpha Underwood, zunderwood@tallahassee.com; 599-2314.