Rocky Mountain Raptor Program Hosts Annual Benefit Auction Feb. 28

Colorado State University’s Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will host its fifth annual benefit auction from 6-10 p.m. Feb. 28.

The auction, called "A Second Chance at Freedom," will take place in the Canyon West and Columbine rooms of the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St. in Fort Collins. Proceeds will help pay for the cost of rehabilitating injured eagles, hawks and other birds of prey and for environmental education projects organized by the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program.

The event will feature a silent auction from 6-9 p.m.; a live auction with auctioneer Jack Salisbury will take place at 7:30 p.m. Live jazz entertainment by the Ron Cottingham Trio and gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Joe’s Fireside Cafe and Brad’s Front Range BBQ Catering also are part of the evening.

Auction items include weekend getaways in the mountains, watercolor paintings, wood carvings, jewelry, books, meals, bronze statues by local artists and many items donated by local businesses. Featured artists include Dan Ostermiller, Dawn Weimer, Lee Kline, Sandi Scott, Bob O’Rourke, Gary Schneider, Dick Pillmore and many others.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in wildlife to show their support for the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program," said program director Judy Scherpelz. "Our program relies solely on contributions and proceeds from events like the auction to provide these vital services."

Tickets cost $12 each and are available through the Raptor Program’s office behind the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 300 W. Drake Road. Tickets also can be purchased at the door.

The program is a self-sufficient volunteer effort that provides medical care and rehabilitation to injured birds of prey and offers environmental education programs to the public. For more information about the auction or the Raptor Program, call (970) 491-0398.