CROW's annual Giving Tree Festival returns this Sunday

CROW has put the final touches on its spectacular Fourth Annual Giving Tree Festival, scheduled for this Sunday, Dec. 6 at The Sanctuary Clubhouse and the event looks to be a sellout this year.


Our sincerest thanks go out to The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, the premier event sponsor.

"The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company supports many local organizations who work to protect our quality of life for both current residents and for generations to come," said Al Hanser, Founder, CEO and co-chairman of the company. "Our team is proud to help the CROW team in their efforts to care for and protect our remarkable and diverse native wildlife."

CROW board member Daniel Moore-Thompson, chairman of the event, has organized a talented group of designers for the evening's silent auction featuring themed holiday trees, wreaths and garlands, raising important philanthropic support for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). The popular "Unique Boutique" will include local ornaments, tree skirts and stockings not sold anywhere else, as well as Luc Century champagne flutes designed exclusively for CROW.

Highlighting the evening will be The Giving Tree, which offers guests the opportunity to donate to crucial needs for the hospital including food for patients, fellowship and student programs, as well as rescue and education. We are grateful to have Drs. PJ Deitschel and Amber McNamara to answer any specific questions concerning the delicate care this hospital provides. New this year will be a table offering CROW memberships for holiday gift giving.

The event will begin with a complimentary wine happy hour to toast the holiday and friends followed by the culinary delights of The Sanctuary chefs which include homemade pastas, carving stations, salads, and of course gourmet deserts all while enjoying the delightful music by Johnny Ray.

"All these elements create a perfect evening while supporting the necessary mission of CROW," said Carol Rothman, acting development coordinator and event committee member.

Other Giving Tree event sponsors include Bank of the Islands, Friends of CROW, Steve and Mandy Greenstein, Roberta and Philip Puschel, Sanibel Island Taxi, Suncatcher's Dream, and Susan and Bob Tucker. We thank them for their generous support.

Local artists and designers include Donna Sue Andazola, Jaye Boswell, Inga Bredahl, Luc Century and Dee Serage, Greg and Diane Cortese, Cathy and Carly DeGennaro, Mary DeMic and Zoe Cohen, Susan Gordon, Fran Grant, Liz Gresham, Liz Kennedy and Ann Potter, Lily & Co., Bonnie Moore and Carol Weissman, Kym Nader Interiors, Pandora's Box, Tom Service, Suncatcher's Dream, Melinda Graham's Surroundings, Tarpon Bay Explorers, Merrill Taylor, Birgie Vertesch and Anita Pinder, Kevin Vertesch, and VIP's Jim and Karen Hall.

Tickets for the Giving Tree Festival are $100 each, but there are only a few left! Call for reservations now at 395-0050 ext. 2 and give the gift that makes a difference all year long.

"CROW relies heavily on private donations to operate, and events such as the Festival bring in the necessary annual operating support for CROW," said board president Susan Tucker.
by CAROL ROTHMAN