Go Wild for ‘Ding’ open for reservations
Reservations are now open for a fundraiser to benefit wildlife, land acquisition, and conservation and education efforts at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.
The seventh annual Go Wild for “Ding” – Call of the Osprey will be held on Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at The Community House. Hosted by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, the evening will feature an entertaining program, catered food stations, live and silent auctions, and more.
DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller explained that the fundraising arm for the refuge only organizes two major events each year. One is the “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, which is set for May 3 and fully booked, and Go Wild for “Ding” – the former Trailgate Party.
“There two are the big events we have to raise funds for the refuge,” she said.
Miller noted that the DDWS helps to fill in the gaps not covered by federal monies.
Approximately 10 years ago, the refuge was receiving more than $3 million in federal funding, employed 22 full-time staffers and serviced about 600,000 visitors annually. Currently, it receives $1.3 million in funding, employs 10 full-time staffers and services nearly 1 million visitors annually.
“It’s tough for the refuge to do the work that they do and do it so well,” Miller said.
As for this year’s osprey theme, local water quality factored into the decision.
“Ospreys are such an iconic species on the islands – they were almost wiped out,” she said of the recent red tide impact on the population. “They need the water, they need the fish, to survive.”
Miller described the population bouncing back as a story of conversation with the species.
“‘Ding’ Darling is recognized around the world for bird watching,” she said. “Osprey calls are a distinct audio feature at ‘Ding’ Darling. They take on different characteristics when the birds of prey are acting territorial or merely communicating with a mate, which they are known to typically stick with for life.”
Funds raised from the 2019 Go Wild for “Ding” will focus on land acquisition efforts.
“The society is in the midst of working to acquire the largest remaining permitted-for-construction property on the island,” Miller said.
Consisting of 68 acres, the Wulfert Bayous property extends from the corner of Wulfert Road, along Sanibel-Captiva Road, up to the beginning of the culvert. It has 16 acres of existing mangroves, as well as 15 acres of wetlands that could be restored and enhanced to create a wading bird colony of roseate spoonbills, wood storks, white ibis, and associated egrets and herons.
“Land acquisition is all about water quality,” she said. “You need land to filter water, and if it’s not protected it would be 29 homes.”
The event will include speakers and a presentation, with a chance to get to know the various supporters.
“There will be a fun program throughout,” Miller said.
There will be a live auction, which typically consists of a handful of high-end prizes to bid on, while the silent auction normally features approximately 25 to 30 items of interest that are up for grabs.
“They’re going to be island-inspired,” she said. “Some of them will be osprey-inspired.”
One highlight of the fundraiser is the two pieces created by famed bird sculptor Jim Sprankle.
Each year, Sprankle creates a hand-carved hand-painted feather pin. This year’s signed piece is modeled after an osprey feather. The winning bidder will join the exclusive, 50-member Sprankle Feather Club.
Sprankle will also carve an osprey head on a necklace slider for the event. The winner of the bid will become the head of the Feather Club for the new year and help plan the 2019 Feather Club event.
New this year, DDWS has replaced the sit-down dinner with a more modern food setup.
“We’re going to have food stations,” Miller said.
Keeping with past years, the Sanibel Catering Company by Baileys will supply the tasty delights.
“They’re donating all of the catering,” she said, noting that they also are a sponsor.
Reservations for Go Wild for “Ding” are $150 per person.
“It’s always been a sold-out event,” Miller said. “I think we cap it at 200.”
Those interested in attending are urged to secure a reservation soon.
“People have started making reservations already,” she said.
In addition, sponsorships are still available.
“We have an increased number of sponsors this year, many of them are individuals who feel strongly about the work we’re doing here at the refuge,” Miller said.
The community is encouraged to make their reservations for a party to benefit a great cause.
“It takes everybody working together to make an impact on what we can do to preserve and protect the islands of Sanibel and Captiva as we know them – and the refuge is a big part of that,” she said.
For reservations, contact 239-472-1100 ext. 239 or dot@dingdarlingsociety.org.
People can also visit tinyurl.com/GoWild19 to register online.
For sponsorships, contact Birgie Miller at 239-472-1100 ext. 4 or director@dingdarlingsociety.org or Dot Voorhees at 239-472-1100 ext. 239 or dot@dingdarlingsociety.org.
For more information on the event, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/go-wild-for-ding.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.