The California Wildlife Center’s (CWC) annual fundraiser is scheduled for September.
Things are always hectic at the California Wildlife Center, but this year has been especially so, with an influx of seals and sea lion pups. The number of marine mammals rescued, treated and released has soared this year. The increase comes in addition to all the other critters at the center under its care.
With that hard work, animal lovers say there’s no better way to show your support than by attending the CWC’s annual fundraiser, “The Wild Brunch.” The fun-filled family event takes place at the Gull’s Way Estate in Malibu on Sept. 14.
Over the years, the CWC and its good works have attracted thousands of fans, including some of the biggest names in Malibu and Hollywood. The Honorary Committee includes Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, Nikita Kahn and Larry Ellison, and everyone from Sir Anthony Hopkins to Slash.
The afternoon event has become a local tradition, featuring veggie cuisine, local wines, live and silent auctions, as well as a “Wild Zone” for kids. The highlight will be the release of a CWC “patient,” which is just one of many.
By August, the center had received close to 300 marine mammal calls, including elephant seal pups. With the center’s help, nearly 200 creatures were rescued and rehabilitated, and many were released.
Through a friend, animal-lover Nikita Kahn and her billionaire boyfriend Larry Ellison got involved. Earlier this summer, they put together an exclusive fundraiser, which raised $600,000.
Since the CWC has outgrown its local facility, those funds will help the CWC raise the money to relocate to a bigger space. “We are running out of room,” explains CWC President Victoria Harris. “People somehow have a misconception that we are a government agency. They don’t realize we rely solely on donations and volunteers.”
The CWC opened its wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release center in the late 1990s, with the intention of helping 200 animals per year. Between marine life, bobcats, deer, foxes, hawks and even baby humming birds, the center now serves close to 5,000 creatures.
In addition to raising funds, the center hopes to raise awareness. “People thank us and are grateful,” Harris says. “They are thrilled that there is someone who can do something.”
So if you want to do something, join the flock at “The Wild Brunch.”