CROW's 'Giving Tree Festival' Dec. 7

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) will host its annual fundraiser, the Giving Tree Festival, on Dec. 7, from 6:30-10 p.m. at The Sanctuary Clubhouse on Sanibel Island.

The fundraising event will include an evening of holiday festivities with live entertainment, fabulous food and holiday shopping with the "Boutique Unique." There will be a silent auction for festive Christmas trees and wreaths, and CROW will unveil its centerpiece "Giving Tree" to raise donations for much-needed hospital equipment and the new Visitor Education Center.

The "Giving Tree" will begin the night as a plain Christmas tree surrounded by ornaments listing suggested donations such as patient food, cages and education courses for CROW staff. Guests will have the opportunity to help decorate the tree by purchasing an item and placing their donation ornament on the tree. Giving tree items range from a $100 container of infant formula to $50,000 for the new hospital generator.

"Hopefully by the end of the night we will have a beautiful, fully decorated Christmas tree," said Dr. PJ Deitschel, staff veterinarian and clinic director. "This is always a wonderful event and so vital to CROW since we rely exclusively on the generosity of our donors to cover operating costs."

Complimentary wine will be served from 6 : 3 0 to 7:30 p.m. and a cash bar and buffet will open at 7:30 p.m. Entertainer Johnny Ray will perform live music including traditional holiday songs, reggae music and popular hits from the 1950s and 60s.

The "Giving Tree Festival" presenting sponsor is the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company. Additional event sponsors include: John and Donna Schubert, Suncatcher's Dream, Bank of the Islands and Coral Veterinary Clinic. Additional sponsorships are available at $500, $1,000 and $2,500 levels, which include complimentary tickets to the event. For more information on becoming a sponsor, call 395-0050.

Tickets for the "Giving Tree Festival" are $100 per person paid in advance. For credit card reservations, call 395-0050, or mail checks to CROW, Inc., Attn: Festival, PO Box 150, Sanibel, FL 33957. Proceeds benefit nonprofit CROW.