Here we are, skipping another in-person event due to the pandemic. In-person events are a lot of work, but there’s an unmistakable energy that happens when you get a group of people together in one space with a common mission and a drive to give.
The crucial funds raised are of course the main focus, but that sense of a shared purpose–the hope and the love–is what is the most encouraging aspect of an event.
The sanctuary is incredibly fortunate to have you, supporters and champions of the chimpanzees. With this blog, we are exposed to that energy, albeit in an online context, every day.
Preparing for tonight’s second virtual HOOT! gala has been filled with moments of nostalgia. Some of the people who you will see and hear from tonight during the event are from the early days of the sanctuary. Even some of the auction items have been unearthed from years ago (like the Troll Mania book created for our 2011 event).
The staff went way back to our childhoods for some of the auction items, with each of us choosing a favorite children’s book (see auction items #10-20).
The pandemic has often been described as a collective pause. Of course the sanctuary doesn’t have the option to pause, and the last year has been one of the busiest times in our history. There hasn’t been a lot of time to reflect.
Tonight, though, as we watch the virtual event in our respective homes, together in spirit, we have the chance to reflect on what we have accomplished as a group, each with our individualized efforts, to provide a home for chimpanzees who had no where else to go.
Humans failed these chimpanzees, but now our collective humanity has saved them. It’s a giving back that will always be incomplete, but that doesn’t make it any less worth the effort.
To all of the staff, board members, volunteers, donors, followers, and supporters, thank you for being here for them. Let’s celebrate together all that we’ve accomplished and the continued hope for the future.
Bid on auction items through Sunday on the auction site and watch the event on Facebook and YouTube live streaming starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. Eastern. We’ll be with you!
I so miss the in-person events – a yearly opportunty for “talkin’ Chimp” with others obsessed with the handsomeness of Burrito or the agility of Missy. The next time we meet in person (I hope there’ll be one!) there’ll be all these new individuals to crush on with others. Here’s to a successful HOOT! xo
Thank you for all of your support to make HOOT! 2021 a success, Pat. Fingers crossed for September 16, 2022.
Many Kudos to Diana for her articulate, moving, well-stated, and, thought- provoking message on today’s blog. You have a, huge, heart, a deep commitment, and a, heartfelt, caring for all species.
Thank you, Diane. ?
Here’s to a successfull HOOT!
Thanks, Kathleen! Thank you for all of your participation in getting those bids up! I’m amazed at some of the bids and excited to see what happens tonight with the conclusion. I sense people are having a lot of fun! :blush:
The check is either in the mail or else in the mail box at P.O. Box 952. I love and adore the residents who have been given sanctuary at the Sanctuary.
Thank you, Tobin!!
Looking forward to another exciting Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest event :monkey:
I’ve got my eye on a couple of cute chimp items.:see_no_evil::hear_no_evil::speak_no_evil:
Lets raise lot’s of money, and Pant-Hoots to all?:monkey_face:
Thank you for helping to make the HOOT! bidding so fun this year and for your donation! I hope you win something tonight!
As a follower from farther away, the virtual event has made me feel like a part of the auction and fundraising, since I can never be there to bid in person. That being said, I think everyone is “zoomed out” after the last two years. I hope that, when things return to “normal” , there’s a way to include those supporters from farther away, at least during one event per year.
Linda, we will definitely have to figure out a way to include supporters at a distance – we wouldn’t want to leave you out of the fun.
I enjoyed the HOOT tonight and was delighted to hear there is a possibility of an in-person Hoot next year, it will be my first. I also have my eye on several auction items.
Thank you, Nancy! I sincerely hope to see you next year on September 16th!
Thanks so much for allowing me to donate again, Diana! It truly is a joy and a high point in the year.
Cheers.
Big thanks for your beautiful painting of Nutmeg, Carla!