The 10th annual Wander the Wild, the Highlands Center for Natural History’s biggest yearly fundraiser, will be held Sunday, September 23, at the Windmill House in Chino Valley from 2:30 to 6:30 PM. “This exciting outdoor and adventure-themed auction is our main fundraising event, responsible for providing thousands of children with nature-based learning experiences, proven to benefit their lives in many ways,” stated Dave Irvine, Executive Director.
Wander the Wild is an exciting annual event, featuring live music, a delicious dinner, and includes wines from Painted Lady Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, and other generous donors. Wander the Wild features live music during the social hour with local wines and appetizers on the beautiful and spacious patio. The live auction features outdoor related travel and adventure packages, educational field trips and nature inspired works of art by talented local artists. “Feed your sense of adventure by bidding on exotic travel and experience items,” added Irvine. A sample of trips to be auctioned include destinations such as one-week beach combing in Nicaragua, a week-stay for four in southern Tuscany, and a South African photo safari. Nature-inspired local art and educational adventures to locations throughout Arizona are also featured, to be auctioned by Jacy Lee and hosted by Marnie Uhl. All proceeds benefit our youth education programs, inspiring over 12,000 children annually with quality, creative hands-on outdoor education, developed to introduce them to the natural wonders of the Central Arizona Highlands. You can also win a Perception Impulse 10.0 Kayak in our raffle, courtesy of Manzanita Outfitters.
This year’s presenting sponsor is Lamb Chevrolet, and Honorary Chairs are Ron and Laura James.
About the Highlands Center for Natural History
Formed in 1996, the Highlands Center for Natural History is a non-profit organization developed to foster an appreciation for and knowledge of the natural wonders of the Central Highlands of Arizona. Operating on an 80-acre campus near Lynx Lake through a Special Use Permit with Prescott National Forest, the Highlands Center is a regional hub for lifelong learning, designed to invite discovery of the wonders of nature through on and offsite programs, supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and community partners. In 2016 The James Family Discovery Gardens were opened, celebrating the beauty and extraordinary biological diversity of the Central Highlands in an accessible Native Botanical Garden.
Visit www.highlandscenter.org for more information.
