Hawk Mountain’s annual fundraiser, the Benefit for the Birds Gala has been transformed into a month-long, online-only silent auction with a live-streamed event. The annual gala, which had to be cancelled, is the Sanctuary’s largest and only fundraiser, garnering critical general operating support for Hawk Mountain science, education, stewardship, and other conservation programs. The online auction will take place June 1 through June 30, and the live event on Friday, June 26.
In the past, the annual Gala has welcomed a sold-out crowd of more than 250 guests who gathered to support the Sanctuary. “This year we hope our supporters still participate, but from the comfort of home,” says President Sean Grace.
The silent auction will be held throughout June, and anyone with a mobile device or computer can bid on a variety of items and experiences. Local businesses, restaurants, and artists generously donated to the auction, guaranteeing unique items for all.
Bidding will commence on Monday, June 1 and close Tuesday, June 30 at noon. The online bidding will take place on the Greater Giving platform.
“We made the switch to online and cell-phone bidding two years ago, so we’re familiar with the platform, know it works great, and think it’s a fun and effective way to bid,” explains event coordinator Tammy Jandrasitz.
Those who participated in the past will find new features, too. “Bidders this year will have the option to place a maximum bid on any item they really want. That means the system will bid against your competitors up until your maximum amount and then alert you when someone has reached that limit,” she explains.
Complete details and instructions can be found at hawkmountain.org/benefit, where visitors can proceed directly to the bidding page. To begin browsing, visit hawkmountain.org/galabidding. The online bidding dashboard is interactive and easy to use, and Sanctuary Staff are available to assist with any issues.
In lieu of the traditional Gala festivities, all virtual visitors are also invited to enjoy an engaging and free live event on Friday, June 26 at 7 PM to meet our gala host, president Sean Grace, our online education guru, director of education Jamie Dawson, and listen to a brief presentation from Senior Scientist Dr. JF Therrien on expanded American kestrel research. The trio will also outline other ways to support Hawk Mountain through the “fund a need” options.
This month of fundraising and festivities allows Hawk Mountain to celebrate its supporters and members, while raising funds to continue the Sanctuary’s important work in conservation science and education. For more information about the event, visit hawkmountain.org/benefit.
