Shell Factory holds fundraiser for its nature park
Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that it costs between $3,500 and $4,500 per day to run the nature park at the Shell Factory?
That includes feeding the animals, staffing, cleaning and making sure all habitats are up to standards.
The attraction has been able to do the first three things, albeit out of pocket since the park has been closed since Hurricane Ian decimated it.
The hurricane destroyed pretty much all their habitats, as well as an aviary. It is expected to cost more than $125,000 to reopen the park and more than $300,000 to fully repair it.
On Saturday, the Shell Factory held the first of what will likely be several fundraising events with the goal of raising around $50,000, to benefit the Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to giving children the opportunity to take field trips there, as well as for upkeep on the park, which costs more than $1 million annually.
Visitors paid $10 ($5 for children) to see some of the animals that call the nature park home, from lizards and snakes to Hootie, the Eurasian Eagle Owl, one of the largest owls in the world.
“Like many of us, their homes are ruined, so that’s why we’re having this fundraiser. It’s been phenomenal,” said Shell Factory General Manager Anne Sheridan. “They’re helping us build and we will have them enjoy their day.”
Attendees also got free admission for an adult and a child when the nature park reopens. They also received free admission to play mini golf and to ride the carousel.
However, it will take more than the generosity of ordinary citizens to make this work. The Shell Factory has been seeking corporate sponsors.
Sheridan said the business community has done a great job pitching in.
“We have three tiers of sponsorship and we’ve been so fortunate people have given us a call. We’ve had a few businesses chip in $10,000,” Sheridan said. “Today, we had people come to us and hand us $100 and not even go in to see the animals.”
Among the things that need to be rebuilt are the commissary ($10,000) and Hootie’s habitat, which is around $5,000, and for her care, which is another $1,400.
Martin Stoper said he wanted to help the nature park, as he is a frequent visitor.
“I come a few times when I’m down here. I like talking to the birds. I like the whole park,” Stoper said. “I like going in there and have the birds land on you. I love the cockatoos. They’re the loudest talkers.”
The fundraising effort is ongoing. There will be a Handbag Happy Hour on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 5:25 p.m. in the Players Circle Theater lobby, where there will be gently-used handbags up for auction.
There is one sponsorship opportunity for $2,500 and four others for $1,200, with tickets at $75, which includes three drink tickets and appetizers.
For those who would like to donate or for more information, visit shellfactory.com.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com