Sylvan Heights Celebrates “The Year of the Toucan”

SCOTLAND NECK, NC
October 6, 2023

On October 14, 2023, Sylvan Heights Bird Park will host “The Year of the Toucan”, its 17th annual fundraiser and dinner gala. The event provides critical financial support to the park’s avian conservation projects and K-12th grade education programs.

Each year, the park’s event committee selects a different bird species to spotlight during the event. This year’s gala will celebrate the colorful, charismatic toucans and their rainforest habitat. “Choosing a different bird to feature for each year’s event has been a great way to carry on with our mission of education, even while we’re fundraising,” says Katie Lubbock, Media & Communications Coordinator at the park. “We center the event around that bird, presenting fun facts and information throughout the evening for guests. Many of our auction items are even toucan themed.”

Those who wish to support the park during its annual fundraiser can do so in several ways:

Bid in the online auction from October 2nd – 14th

The online auction allows anyone to bid on incredible items, even they can’t attend the event on the 14th. This year, online bidders have the chance to win tickets to see Shania Twain at PNC Arena. They’ll also find dining experiences at top restaurants in eastern NC and the Triangle area, sports tickets, hand-crafted art and jewelry, outdoor adventures, and even an axe-throwing experience in Greenville. “Our auction item donors have really outdone themselves with creative and unique items for our event this year,” says Karen Parker, the park’s Event Coordinator.

To bid in the online auction, visit https://one.bidpal.net/toucan/browse/all.

Attend the “Year of the Toucan” Auction and Dinner Gala on October 14th

Supporters can also join the celebration in-person at Sylvan Heights Bird Park on October 14th from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, a full dinner buffet with a variety of cuisines, an entertaining live auction, and opportunities to meet the bids of Sylvan Heights up close. The live auction features premium items exclusive to attendees of the dinner gala only, including a trip to Africa and Victoria Falls, a lab-created diamond jewelry set, and a four-night luxury stay in York, England

To purchase tickets, visit the event site at https://one.bidpal.net/toucan/ticketing.

Support the matching donation campaign

This year, Sylvan Heights Bird Park is seeking a goal of $10,000 in donations during its annual fundraiser. Thanks to a generous donor, all contributions up to a total of $10,000 will be matched, doubling the impact of those donations. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated.

To make a donation visit the event site at https://one.bidpal.net/toucan/browse/donation.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park thanks our 2023 event sponsors for their generous support:

Duke Energy

Keith & Sandra Rogers

Parikh Family Foundation

John & Sarah Minges

Nancy Winslow – Keller Williams Points East

Don & Ann Butler

Robin & Bobby Tysinger

Kim Mallard, CPA

Parks & Jane Freeze