Feb. 27 Auction, Dinner to Benefit Colorado State Raptor Program

A week in Winter Park, a limited edition Audubon lithograph and work by area artists will benefit injured birds of prey at Colorado State University’s sixth annual benefit auction Feb. 27.

"A Second Chance At Freedom," sponsored by Colorado State’s Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, will be held from 5-10 p.m. in the Canyon West and Columbine rooms of the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., Fort Collins.

Proceeds from a silent auction from 5-8:30 p.m. and a live auction at 7 p.m. will support medical care, rehabilitation and release for injured eagles, hawks, and owls and public environmental education.

Items to be auctioned include a week at a condominium in Winter Park, a limited edition print of an Audubon lithograph and watercolor paintings, wood carvings, and bronzes by local artists. Jewelry, books, dinners and numerous items and services donated by local businesses also will be offered.

Featured artists include Dawn Weimer, Lee Kline, Sandy Scott, Dan Ostermiller, Bob O’Rourke and Dick Pillmore.

The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, affiliated with Colorado State’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, works with injured birds of prey. Injured birds are nursed back to health and released into the wild. Permanently injured birds are cared for and participate in a public education program. The program is staffed by volunteers.

Supported in part by the American Furniture Warehouse and the Red Wing Shoe Store, the evening’s program includes a buffet dinner catered by The Rainbow, beer donated by Odell Brewing Company and jazz by the Ron Cottingham Trio. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the Raptor Program office (behind the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 300 W. Drake Rd.) or from Raptor Program volunteers. Tickets also can be purchased at the door.

For more information call the Raptor Program at (970) 491-0398.