Our big fall fundraiser, the “Bear Necessities Dinner and Auction” was held Friday, November 4th at the Barn Event Center in Townsend, TN. The event was a tremendous success. The 200+ people who attended were in a festive mood as they enthusiastically bid on auction items, sipped wine provided by Bear Boat Wines, or beer from Smoky Mountain Brewery, and nibbled appetizers complements of Dorothy Avery, Tom and Bev Brosch, and Mountain National Bank. The auction items ranged from sports tickets and equipment to fine art to items for the garden. There were about 160 different items, and all but 2 were won by successful bidders.
Following the auction, a delicious dinner was enjoyed by all. The program included a welcome by ABR president Jack Burgin, a keynote address by Kim Delozier, retired chief wildlife biologist of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, recognition of outstanding volunteers, and the highlight of the evening, a lively talk about the current cub population at ABR by Lisa Stewart, curator. A big “thank you” to the ownsers and staff of The Barn Event Center for providing such a unique setting for our event!
If you were unable to attend this year’s dinner, we hope that you will be able to plan to attend our 2012 dinner. It’s a great way to be a part of ABR and our rehabilitation efforts and have a wonderful time, as well! Cameras were busy all evening, so as soon as we have some photos to post, we’ll let you see the festivities.