The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature will host its 20th Anniversary Virtual Fundraiser, 5-6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16. Due to restrictions on gatherings imposed by COVID-19, the event will take the place of the Wildling’s annual Spring BBQ and fall Art of Brunch. The online benefit is sponsored by Northern Trust.
Those attending are invited to raise a glass to virtually toast the Wildling and help celebrate 20 years of bringing quality art and nature exhibitions and programs to our community.
Emcee and auctioneer Jim Farnum will guide guests through special tributes, art, and bidding wars on live auction items. Attendees also see a video tour of the museum’s 20th anniversary exhibition, 20/20: A Retrospective, which celebrates 20 years of exhibits highlighting stories of local natural areas, endangered species, and far-flung landscapes that inspire travel.
Given the museum’s six months of mandated closure, this virtual event will help raise funds that will be doubled by Wildling Museum board member Kate Godfrey, up to $15,000.
The Wildling’s Silent Auction will feature one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, local wines, dining and lodging packages. Silent auction bidding runs online Oct. 9-16, closing at 5 p.m. on event day.
The live auction will feature a four-night stay at a private guesthouse in the Santa Ynez Valley; a three-night stay at a vacation home in the Mission Creek area of Santa Barbara with a private tour and outdoor breakfast at Creekspirit, the garden full of the mosaics of Wildling founder Patti Jacquemain; a hand-made fox-themed quilt; and a Cambria overnight getaway.
There is no cost to attend, but advanced online registration is required. Once registered, guests will receive an email with the link to join the event. Learn more about the event and register in advance at: www.wildlingmuseum.org/news/virtual-anniversary.
The Wilding Museum is seeking additional sponsors and auction donations. Contact Stacey Otte-Demangate at stacey@wildlingmuseum.org or call 805-686-8216 to discuss available sponsorship opportunities. To donate to the Wildling’s silent and live auctions, contact Lauren Sharp at lauren@wildlingmuseum.org or call 805-686-8315.
Special thanks to lead sponsors Kate and Dick Godfrey, Northern Trust, and Judy and Jack Stapelmann. For more information, and to volunteer or join as a member, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org.