Colorado State’s Raptor Program Hosts 10th Annual Auction Benefiting Injured Birds of Prey Feb. 22

The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will host its 10th annual benefit auction, "A Second Chance at Freedom," from 5-9 p.m. on Feb 22 in the Canyon West and Columbine Rooms at the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia Street. Proceeds will benefit the rehabilitation of injured eagles, hawks and owls and to provide public environmental education.

The event, sponsored in part by New Belgium Brewing Company, will include a catered dinner and live jazz music performed by the Ron Cottingham Trio. Folk singer Colleen Crosson will perform after the live auction.

This year’s auction features a unique George Edwards print from 1850, "The Falcon of Marais." The print, donated by Roper Antiques and Appraisals, was created from a lithograph and then hand-colored by Edwards. This artwork is unique because it has been extremely well-preserved, and is an excellent example of some of the first natural history artwork of North America and Europe.

Auction items and donors are listed on the RMRP website at www.fortnet.org/RMRP.

Guests can participate in the silent auction from 5-8:30 p.m. The live auction with auctioneer Bill Seaworth will begin at 7 p.m. Auction items include watercolors, wood carvings, etchings, bronzes, jewelry, books, and sporting goods, along with numerous items and services donated by local businesses. Artists include Bob O’Rourke, Dan Ostermiller, Richard Pillmore, Gary Schneider, Sandy Scott and Dawn Weimer.

Tickets are available for advance purchase for $20 or $23 at the door. A reserved table for ten can be purchased for $250. For tickets and further information, call the Raptor Program at (970) 491-0398.