Members Look to the Future with Strong Support to Modernize Our Headquarters

by Charles Milne, Director of Development

Following the announcement of plans to modernize the Wildlife Care Center, members have been stepping up to support our goal of securing $3.5 million in donations. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support so far and are optimistic about reaching this goal by September 30. Bird Alliance of Oregon members are always the first to step up and champion our projects and work. You make our accomplishments possible through your commitment to wildlife and habitat and your financial investment in our vision for the future. When this issue of the Warbler went to press, we had raised $2,994,160! Thank you to all who have given so far.

Rendering of the new Wildlife Care Center
Rendering of the new Wildlife Care Center.

If you haven’t yet seen our vision and plans, they can be found at ForPortlandBird Alliance of Oregon.org. The plans include a completely rebuilt Wildlife Care Center, new interpretive and wayfinding signage throughout the Sanctuary, essential updates to our classrooms and administrative buildings, and so much more. These upgrades and the modernization of our facilities are critical for us to be able to provide the wildlife care services, education, and advocacy needed to continue creating meaningful change here in Portland and across the Oregon landscape.

In my recent conversation with a member who has been actively involved for over 20 years, she shared, “I am giving this very generous gift because of the effectiveness of Bird Alliance of Oregon’s conservation efforts, and I know how much those efforts rely on quality facilities to make that work possible. I am excited to give a one-time large gift to support future conservation and educational programs. I have worked with Bob Sallinger for many years, and this gift is in honor of him and all the other conservation activists at Bird Alliance of Oregon.” We are so thankful for this anonymous donor, who gave a gift of over $100,000 to support our campaign.

It’s through a mixture of large, medium, and small gifts that we’ll be successful in this campaign. The majority of support comes from gifts under $250 from our 16,000 members, and these gifts add up quickly. So no matter your ability to give, no matter the amount you give, your support is what keeps Bird Alliance of Oregon strong and vibrant. We still need another $500,000 to start construction this fall. I hope you will consider giving generously to this capital campaign, knowing that your gift will live on for decades and touch hundreds of thousands of lives—both human and animal. Without our members and the support you provide, we couldn’t create the environmental activists of the future, or create the changes needed for wildlife to thrive. Thank you for considering supporting our campaign so we can continue being together for nature long into the future.

For more information please contact, Charles Milne, Director of Development at cmilne@birdallianceoregon.org or Donna Wiench, Leadership and Legacy Giving Manager at dwiench@birdallianceoregon.org

Help us rebuild the Wildlife Care Center and renew our campus and educational spaces – visit ForPortlandBird Alliance of Oregon.org to learn more and donate to support our capital campaign.