The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons proudly celebrated its 16th Annual Get Wild! Gala at the Southampton Arts Center, raising crucial funds to support their mission of rehabilitating and releasing wildlife across Eastern Long Island.
This year’s Gala honored Michael Hayes for his contributions, with event chairs Ingrid Edelman, Jane Gill, Missy Hargraves, Jonathan McCann, and Lisa Baron Schenker leading the festivities. Renowned animal advocate and award-winning emcee Jill Rappaport hosted the event.
Guests enjoyed live performances by Taylor Barton and G.E. Smith, along with cocktails, light fare, and a silent auction. The event also featured appearances by non-releasable hawks and owls rehabilitated by the center, giving attendees a unique glimpse into the important work the center does.
One of the evening’s highlights was board member Jeffrey Colle’s generous auction donation of a South African safari at Buffalo Kloof in the Eastern Cape, which sold multiple times, greatly benefiting the Wildlife Rescue Center.
Notable attendees included Beth Stern, Chuck Scarborough, Kathleen Mulcahy, Noelle Dunlop, Missy Hargraves, Jill Rappaport, Taylor Barton, G.E. Smith, and Jean Shafiroff.
Sponsors of the 16th Annual Get Wild! Gala:
- Red Fox Sponsor: Penni Ludwig
- Great Horned Owl Sponsors: Leslie L. Alexander Foundation, Max, Beau, Bubba, Elliot and Willow Colle, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edelman, Andy Sabin Family Foundation, Lisa Baron Schenker and Gregg Schenker
- Red Tailed Hawk Sponsors: Susan Allen, Linda Hackett, Linda Lloyd Lambert, Linda and Russell Munson, Katherine Rayner, Louise and Lenn Riggio, Jonathan and Wendy Turetsky
- Great Blue Heron Sponsors: Anonymous, Ellen and Chuck Scarborough, Christine Seddon-Grofik and George Grofik
- Snowy Egret Sponsors: Christine and Randall Blank, Roberta J.M. Olson and Alexander B.V. Johnson
- Eastern Screech Owl Sponsors: Missy Hargraves, Jonathan W. McCann
Special thanks to Express News Group, Lawlor Media Group, Charles Spitzner Nursery, Tito’s Vodka, Duckwalk Vineyards, and Leslie Wine for their support.
About the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center:
The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center is Eastern Long Island’s only dedicated wildlife hospital, focused on rehabilitating animals impacted by human activities. Founded by a small group of concerned individuals, the center has grown to include over 3,000 members and supporters, operating with a team of licensed rehabilitators, biologists, animal behaviorists, and volunteers.
Located in Munn’s Pond Park through an agreement with Suffolk County, the center is uniquely situated within a diverse ecosystem that includes wetlands, Pine Barrens, and forests, providing an ideal setting for wildlife rehabilitation. The center responds to over 10,000 calls annually and offers educational programs for schools and colleges.
Operating on an annual budget of over $650,000, the center relies heavily on donations to continue its vital work in wildlife rehabilitation and education.
