Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge has plenty of tips regarding injured and orphaned wildlife, but they collected some tips of their own on Thursday, July 23 at The Crow Bar in Mount Holly. Special guest Carol Erickson, Philadelphia TV meteorologist for nearly four decades, joined more than a hundred guests in raising a glass and toasting to Cedar Run at an event that raised $1,750 in just two hours.
“Cedar Run is a tremendous organization that helps wildlife and the people who want wildlife to stay wild and safe,” said Erickson, who has been a supporter of the non-profit for decades. “It reminds us that we share this planet with wildlife, and they have just as much a right to be here as we do. Cedar Run is a wonderful resource for anybody.”
The crowd was delighted by Erickson, as well as the animal ambassadors who introduced birds such as Apollo the turkey vulture, Gemma the screech owl, and Crogan the crow who fit right in at The Crow Bar. In addition to all tips at the bar, funds raised from a 50/50 raffle and basket auction went directly to Cedar Run.
Miguel Cook, a 29-year-old from Riverside, attended the event on a whim after seeing post on Facebook. “I decided to come out tonight instead of just sitting in front of my TV. I want to volunteer and work with the animals because it’s really easy to donate your time and your skills.”
The funds will be used for wildlife rehabilitation efforts and new animal transport containers for off-site educational programs. Cedar Run offers a “Refuge on Wheels” program, currently bringing wildlife into classrooms for a hands-on STEM-based lesson in more than 60 school districts in the state.
“We have a fantastic turn out on a lovely night,” said Jeanne Gural, Executive Director at Cedar Run. “This is a great crowd. Everyone is having fun and doing some good. Our thanks go out to Robin’s Nest Restaurant, The Crow Bar, Carol Erickson, and our wildlife ambassadors, who made the evening.”
Cedar Run’s wildlife rehabilitation hospital is the busiest in the state, and operates entirely from private funding and donations. The hospital, which hosts hundreds of animals at a time and boasts three full-time staff members and more than 70 active volunteers, runs on a $100K deficit per year due to lack of funding.
The 171-wooded-acre site surrounding Cedar Run Lake in Medford also has hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and a Nature Center. To learn more about Cedar Run, or to make a donation to support its efforts, visit www.cedarrun.org.
