The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife recently held their annual fundraiser, ‘WILD About CROW,’ and raised $1 million thanks to the generosity of the sold out crowd. Sanibel residents Bill and Laurie Harkey donated $750,000 to CROW’s fundraising efforts.
Held at Burroughs Home and Gardens, the event brought together a group of philanthropists and community members to aid in CROW’s efforts to rebuild their Sea Turtle Complex, destroyed by Hurricane Ian.
“The Harkeys generosity to CROW over the years has been remarkable, but to make sure we have a great start on funds needed for the new sea turtle complex is nothing short of wonderful. There can be no doubt the success was due to Bill and Laurie and their inspiration of everyone with us at WILD.” says Alison Charney Hussey, Executive Director of CROW.
Along with the Harkeys’ donation, the event raised more than an additional $250,000. The funds will go directly towards funding the $2 million project of rebuilding CROW’s new Sea Turtle Complex. Hurricane Ian destroyed many of the clinic’s outdoor enclosures, and their ability to treat Sea Turtles. CROW fulfills an important role as the only licensed Sea Turtle facility on the west coast of Florida between Sarasota and the Keys. Until the sea turtle complex is rebuilt, local sea turtles are transferred hundreds of miles away for their care.