By Laurie Lenten

Whether you enjoy creating breathtaking wildlife photography, or simply prefer admiring the breathtaking photography of others, the Northwoods Wildlife Center’s 2020 Photo Gala Fundraiser has something for you.

This year’s Phototography Gala Fundraiser, 6-8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22 at Minocqua’s Campanile Center, will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy over 100 different submitted photographs in six different categories, including North American Wildlife, Naturescapes, Bugs and Blooms, Pets, Youth (ages 17 and under), and a new category this year – People in Nature.

In addition to viewing beautiful works of amateur photography, guests will be able to vote on their favorite entries while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks donated by local businesses, as well as have a chance to win any one of a number of raffle baskets and prizes. There will also be a Meet-and-Greet with staff from the Northwoods Wildlife Center and a visit with one of the center’s Wildlife Ambassadors. A $5 donation per person is recommended at the door.

Amateur photographers will have a chance to not only display their photos for a good cause, but win prize money as well. Money prizes will include $100 for the North American Wildlife category and $50 in each of the other categories. Photos must be submitted by Feb. 14, and mailed or delivered to the Northwoods Wildlife Center – 8683 S. Blumenstein Road, Minocqua, WI 54548. There is a $20 electronic or $10 print entry fee for each submission.

For more information on submitting entries, visit www.northwoodswildlifecenter.org/photography-contest-and-gala.
The Northwoods Wildlife Center is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. All funding is provided through memberships, generous donations from the public and annual fundraisers such as the Photo Gala.

Started in 1979 by veterinarian Dr. Rory Foster and his wife, Linda, as an offshoot of his Foster-Smith Animal Hospital, the Northwoods Wildlife Center admits between 600 to 700 injured and abandoned animals annually. Its staff includes wildlife educators and advanced wildlife rehabilitators, who are licensed through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to provide professional care to over 100 different species of Wisconsin wildlife.

The backbone of the center, however, is its team of dedicated volunteers that support the ongoing efforts of the center through feeding resident animals, answering wildlife related phone calls, assisting at fundraisers, and rescuing and transporting wildlife in need.

For more information on the Northwoods Wildlife Center’s 2020 Photo Gala Fundraiser, or for information on how to volunteer, call 715-356-7400, or log onto www.northwoodswildlifeenter.org.

Laurie Lenten is a freelance writer who lives in Rhinelander. Her articles also appear in Northwoods Commerce, Northwoods ‘boomers and Beyond and Living on the Lake magazines.