An eclectic group of animal-championing celebrities and other California Wildlife Center supporters mingled at the nonprofit’s 13th annual fundraiser.
By Michael Aushenker / Special to The Malibu Times
His name is Ryker. A great horned owl that caught some barbed wire on its left wing and warranted an “amputation to the wrist,” said Stephanie Sayre, founder of the Agoura Hills-based Wings of Discovery Bird Outreach. This striking-looking fowl with wide, attentive yellow eyes, alongside Sigfried, a screech owl with a damaged retina, and Griffin, a Rufus red-tail hawk with a wing fracture, was a prime reason hundreds arrived at Gull’s Way Estate on Sunday to support the California Wildlife Center (CWC) at its 13th annual “The Wild Brunch” fundraiser. With 27,000 wounded animals rescued since its inception in 1998, CWC has thrived from each year’s “Wild Brunch,” its prime source of financial support.
“It’s larger than last year’s,” Cindy Reyes, executive director of the animal rescue nonprofit, said.
Amid a backdrop of Chagall, Matisse, Dali and Picasso prints, Lily Yu, director of Andrew Weiss Gallery in Beverly Hills and a veteran “Wild Brunch” silent auction exhibitor, said: “The silent auction is more expansive than ever. The food is offered from Malibu restaurants. The Malibu community has united to save the lives of wild animals. It’s an inspiring afternoon.”
The event resembled a family-friendly fair, with animal wranglers posing with exotic animals in one area, children’s face painting nearby, and Patron tequila and Malibu-made wines for the grownups. Representatives of restaurants such as Charlie’s and Kristy’s served “Tastes of the Wild:” everything from watermelon gazpacho and mac and cheese to myriad desserts–all free of animal products.
Among the famous faces in attendance was actress Minnie Driver, who chased after her young son Henry, sporting blue face paint.
“Who’s going to take care of the animals?” avid CWC supporter Driver asked rhetorically. “…Who am I supposed to call? I love animals passionately and I feel the need to be their advocates.”
Naren Shankar, a former “CSI” producer currently executive producing the upcoming NBC show “Grimm,” was there in support of wife Cheri, who is involved with the CWC. “Dancing with the Stars” star Brooke Burke introduced Lisa Newell, veterinarian extraordinaire and recipient of CWC’s Free Spirit Award. Burke and hubby David Charvett enjoyed the food and perused the silent auction tables. Burke told The Malibu Times she came because they are “honoring LisaŠShe’s devoted endless hours and tireless efforts [for animals] for over 15 years.”
The late afternoon arrival of Guns ‘N’ Roses’ founding axe-man Slash attracted rubbernecking and greetings as the man born Saul Hudson, one of rock’s greatest guitarists, strolled around with wife Perla and sons London and Cash. Yet the scene was mellow and people were respectful of his family time.
Slash told the Times he came down because, “I’m a friend of Lisa’s [Newell] and a huge animal advocate. I support any California wildlife organizations, especially the ones that are local.”
Animal educator Rachael Komulainen introduced an Australian native, the bearded dragon lizard, to another Australian native, attendee Greg Coffey. Komulainen told Coffey and others that CG animators at Sony Studios had modeled the super villain (The Lizard) in next year’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” after this particular bearded dragon, named Lord Soper.
“He was so spoiled with all of the pretty girls there, hanging out on their shoulders,” Komulanien continued as Coffey pet Lord Soper.
“The weather’s perfect!” said Jerry Chaffin, a volunteer for Marcia Rybak’s squirrel sanctuary at Coast and Canyon Wildlife Rescue.
The weather was a comfortable overcast until, as Malibu Mayor John Sibert put it onstage before presenting Newell with a City of Malibu commendation, “When Lisa showed up [onstage], the sun came out!”
Actress Burke, cowgirl casual in plaid and jeans, described Newell as “absolutely selfless.”
“If you have a pet and you live in Malibu, you know her as Dr. Lisa,” Burke said.
She shared how Newell, who works at Malibu Coast Hospital with Dr. Duane Tom, raised $4,000 to transport animals from Iraq to the United States.
Newell thanked CWC for the Free Spirit Award and praised her supportive family, including husband Chris Budak.
“My mother, from an early age, instilled in me the desire to give back,” Newell said. “To make my short time on this earth count.”