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Tallahassee Democrat (FL) Friends flock to garden party to help St. Francis Wildlife By Randi Buchanan Oct. 6 was a memorable evening at Native Nurseries on Centerville Road. It was the night of A Garden Pond Benefit, held to raise money for St. Francis Wildlife Association. In existence since 1977, St. Francis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of native wildlife in North Florida and South Georgia through the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned creatures. Guests ambled through the nursery, which was lit by candlelight, as members of the Leon High School steel-drum band - Ross Holcombe, Johanna Yarbrough, Hunter Daws and John Frank - played, creating a splendid ambience. Among those enjoying the evening were J.C. Gayhartt, Ron Sauls, David Arnold, April Arrington, Rhonda Work and Jon Johnson, St. Francis Wildlife's executive director and wildlife rehabilitator. Delectable desserts baked by wildlife friends Maryann Bryson, Audrey Alessi, Donna Legare, Mary McMullen, Marianne Duvall, Liz Marshall, Norma Skaggs, Ann Morrow and Linda Mills were devoured by appreciative guests. A presentation of predatory birds was arranged by Sandy Beck, wildlife classroom educator, and volunteers Barbara Sullivan, Bob Beck and Marley Moynahan. Taking in the show were Russell Daws, Pat Pattison, Sue Walthall, Steve Leitman, Randy Denker, Alice Honea, Chris Bittle, Chuck and Carrie Hess, Laura Phipps, Rick Kiser, and Dan and Alison Kiser. Brian Bryson gave a demonstration about creating pond features. There was a raffle for a custom-designed pond created and installed by Bryson valued at more than $2,000. Donna Legare pulled the winning ticket and the lucky winner was Koren Taylor. The event raised more than $6,000 for the sick, injured and orphaned wildlife under the care of the staff and volunteers of St. Francis. St. Francis Wildlife In the News
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