Fundraiser key for wildlife center
The Fox Valley Wildlife Center is holding its major fundraiser next month in Geneva, and a successful event is more crucial than ever, center officials said.
The center -- which provides rehabilitation to injured and orphaned animals -- depends entirely on donations. This year, the nonprofit organization faces the added challenge of paying utility bills estimated at about $500 a month.
The new policy is part of an agreement that the Kane County Forest Preserve District negotiated with the center in 2006 to make the organization more self-sufficient, according to Monica Meyers, the district's executive director.
The district will no longer pay the utility bills, but will continue to contribute use of the house and the land at no charge. The center is in the Elburn Woods Forest Preserve on Route 38, a half mile west of Route 47.
"It's a wonderful asset to the community," Meyers said. "Residents can come to the center with injured wildlife. We're happy to help out."
Staff and volunteers said they hope to keep the center, which opened in 2001, going strong.
"Our major fundraiser is even more important this year with this additional expense," said Andrea Krueger, a volunteer and member of the board of directors.
"We've known about it for about a year and we have installed a new furnace and a new air-conditioner in order to become more energy efficient. But we depend strictly on donations, so it's always a concern. We have many supporters, but many other people think of the animals we help as a nuisance."
Krueger said the event raised $12,500 last year and the center is hoping to raise an additional $4,000 this year.
"We haven't seen a utility bill yet, but we think a monthly bill will be about $500," said Laura Mikkelson, director of the center for the last two years. "We use incubators and heating pads, but we're making sure everything is off when not in use. We're more conscientious about turning the lights out, too."
Mikkelson said the center took in 1,257 animals for rehabilitation in 2007. There are currently about 20 animals being cared for at the center.
It is also home to two raptors, a northern bobwhite quail and a turtle that are "educational animals." Some of them can be transported when staff or volunteers make educational presentations to schools or Scouting groups and they are used in presentations at the center. Workshops can bring in cash because donations are always accepted.
The Feb. 9 event begins at 6 p.m. at Riverside Reception and Banquets and will feature a silent and a live auction, a 50/50 cash raffle, wildlife presentations and dinner. Tickets are $40 per person. Tables may be reserved for 8 to 10 people.
Auction items are still being sought. To donate an item or purchase tickets, contact the wildlife center at (630) 365-3800 or write to Fox Valley Wildlife Center, P.O. Box 385, Elburn, IL 60119. Visit www.foxvalleywildlife.org