Rocky Mountain Raptor Program Hosts

Colorado State University’s Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, which is dedicated to providing medical care, rehabilitation and release for injured birds of prey, will hold its annual "Second Chance at Freedom" benefit auction from 5-9 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2004 at the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St. in Fort Collins.

The event, which is open to the public, will aid in raising funds to care for the program’s injured birds, as well as supporting the program’s educational programs in schools. The program annually rehabilitates over 200 birds, including owls, hawks, eagles and falcons, and releases them into the wild. In addition, the university’s raptor program shares information with the public about birds of prey through their ambassador birds. Ambassador birds are injured birds that could not survive in the wild if released, but travel with staff around the area to educate the public about the habitat and habits of these special species.

"We’re embarking on a new adventure in looking for a site to build a new and improved facility for our birds, our volunteers and the public as well," said Pat Hayward, raptor program volunteer. "This event, which is a beautiful evening filled with art, food, music and entertainment, will benefit our program by increasing funds for our new facilities and help us to treat injured birds and return them to their natural habitat."

The highlight of the evening is a silent auction at 5 p.m. and a live auction, led by auctioneer Bill Seaworth, at 7:15 p.m.  Items for auction include bronze figurines; paintings; "Taste of Whitewater" rafting trip; a digital camera; hand-crafted wall clock; photographs; restaurant gift certificates; Stetson cowboy hat; stained glass window hanging; an 1750s antique, hand-colored lithograph of a hawk owl by George Edwards; pottery; jewelry; weavings; and other hand-crafted and unique items.

The event’s activities include live music by The Ron Cottingham Duo and Colleen Crosson’s folk and new age music, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dessert prepared by The Rainbow and Wild Oats.

Tickets are available in advance. Prior to Feb. 21, tickets are $23. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $25.  The price for a reserved table for 10 people is $300. To purchase tickets or reserve a table before the event, call (970) 297-0398.

For more information about the event, donating items for the auctions or donating money, visit the program’s Web site at www.RMRP.com or call (970) 297-0398.

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