Conservancy of Southwest Florida Announces Eagle Award Winners

Nov. 13, 2012 - PRLog -- NAPLES, Fla. - Conservancy of Southwest Florida has announced the Eagle Award winners for the ninth annual Magic Under the Mangroves fundraiser, which will take place March 7, 2013, returning again to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center.  The announcement was made November 8 at the Allyn Family Lagoon and Dock at Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center during the “First Magic of the Season,” the kick-off celebration for the fundraiser.

The Eagle Award is the highest honor presented annually by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida at Magic Under the Mangroves, awarded to the individual or group whose work and actions demonstrate their commitment to protecting our natural environment and quality of life in southwest Florida. Six local veterinarians who have donated their time, expertise and facilities to care for critically injured wildlife admitted to the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic (now the new von Arx Wildlife Hospital) will be honored.

According to Conservancy of Southwest Florida President Andrew McElwaine, “This group of individuals has demonstrated exemplary leadership, expertise, direct involvement and generosity over an extended period of time.  These caring veterinarians assisted us before we had the ability to hire a full-time veterinarian and they well deserve the honor of receiving the 2013 Eagle Award.”

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida 2013  Eagle Award recipients to be honored at Magic on March 7, 2013, are:

Dr. Damien Lin, St. Francis Animal Hospital

Dr. Tonya Loreman, Sabal Palm Animal Hospital

Dr. Erik Madison, Emergency Pet Hospital of Collier County

Dr. Jeffrey Noble, St. Francis Animal Hospital

Dr. Frank Ogden, Bonita Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Christi Warren, Animal Eye Doctors

Joanna Fitzgerald, director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy was highly complementary of the services this distinguished group of vets has provided, some for over 20 years.  “There was never any animal or case that was too insignificant for these vets to care for.  They were always there when we needed their help. We will continue to consult with them on an ongoing basis.  They have added so much to injured wildlife care across the region.”

Jeannie Smith is chairing the 2013 Magic Under the Mangroves event, which helps fund the operating expenses for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.  Jeannie Smith expressed her excitement about the event and its supporters. “This is my second year as Chair for Magic Under the Mangroves.  With the help of our supporters,  we surpassed our ‘dream’ goal in 2012 and I am confident that we can do so again for 2013.”

“The support Magic receives from the community, the committee, donors and patrons has elevated Magic to one of the top fundraisers in the area.” Mrs. Smith added, “The funds raised from Magic are critical to supporting the many aspects of the work of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, such as environmental policy, education, science and wildlife rehabilitation.”

Over the past eight years, the supporters of Magic Under the Mangroves have raised over $3.4 million to support the Conservancy mission.

Northern Trust is the presenting sponsor of the event.  This year, the fundraiser will be at Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center. The “wildlife-themed” celebration on March 7 will begin with cocktails, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. A live auction follows the delectable and sustainable seated dinner, provided by “Windows,” an award-winning “green” caterer. Guests who participate at the Patron Level will also experience the “magic” of the February 10, 2013 Patron Party at the private Keewaydin Club on Keewaydin Island.

Since the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is committed to protecting our paradise, sustainable, “green” practices are a hallmark of Magic Under the Mangroves.  Extra care and effort is taken to utilize materials that are friendly to the environment.  Eco-friendly elements used for this year’s land-themed events include:

The “Save the Date” was etched in wood obtained from environmentally-friendly forests.
The “First Magic of the Season” invitation was electronically distributed.
Special care is taken to minimize the use of paper promotional materials throughout all facets of the Magic event.  When paper is used for event necessities, we source tree-free, recycled and biodegradable papers.
Event décor and supplies focus on the use of sustainable fabrics and materials such as bamboo, sisal and native plants.  
Sustainable hors d’oeuvres and dinner provided by an officially “green” caterer.
Concentrated efforts are made to utilize locally-sourced food when available.
Energy efficiency is a key element of the event logistics, sourcing low-energy lighting and placing extra effort on recycling and waste reduction.

As of November 9, 2012, other sponsors of the event include Betty Maclean Travel, Gulfshore Life, NBC-2, Florida Weekly and Comcast.  Information about the Magic Under the Mangroves fundraiser is available at www.conservancy.org/magic.

The February 10, 2013 Patron Party is co-sponsored by Sabadell Bank & Trust and Michael G. Lawler of Premier/Sotheby’s International Realty.

Members of the Magic Under the Mangroves committee include:  Edith Andrew,

Kellie Burns, Jennie Cheng, Donna Comstock, Ginger Cornog, Elizabeth Cottingham, Susan Dalton, Linda Diaz, Carol Dinardo, Kerry Edwards, Barbara Everist, Carol Farmer, Gloria Ferreri, Cynthia Fiber, Ellin Goetz, Donna Hall, Nancy Hamill, Robin Hamilton, Raynelle Heidrick, Shelley Lund Hobbs, Judith Hushon, Sabrina Kelly, Lin Klein, Steven Leonard, Maureen Lerner, Jinx Liggett, Cassie McMillion, Jane Pearsall, Susan Regenstein, Sue Schulte,

Lynne Shotwell, Mary S. Smith, Vicky Smith, Roz Travis, Sharon Treiser, Sharon von Arx, Marilyn Waud, Lesley Webster, Nancy White, Pamela Williams, Barbara B. Wilson, Sheelah Windfeldt.

ABOUT THE CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay.  The Conservancy is a grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region --- our water, land and wildlife.  This is accomplished through the synergies of environmental education, science, policy, environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital treats in excess of 3,200 injured, sick and orphaned animals per year and releases about half back into their native habitats.  

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Conservancy Nature Center are located in Naples, FL at 1450 Merrihue Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14th Avenue North.