Fundraiser Auction Request BEAUFORT COMMUNiTY CAT PROJECT

Hello everyone !

I'm a Team EFA member, my etsy shop is danacarol.etsy.com. I'm a volunteer and board member of the Beaufort Community Cat Project, an all volunteer trap-neuter-return organization advocating non-lethal methods to reduce the free-roaming cat population here in Beaufort, NC.

We will be having a fundraising social/silent auction in January 2011. Wondering if anyone might be interested in donating one of their products or a gift certificate to our silent auction. We could send you a tax receipt for your records. We are a non-profit with 501(c)(3) status.

We are planning on having the fundraiser/silent auction at a nice restaurant here in Beaufort, NC. We could display a flyer with the donor's information and business cards.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to spay/neuter the free-roaming cats of Beaufort, NC.

Convo me at my etsy shop, danacarol.etsy.com,

if you are interested in donating.

Thank you!

Dana

An update from Marilyn...

... in reply to her first blog post:

http://etsyforanimals.blogspot.com/2010/01/from-efa-member-marilyn.html

"Nothing has really changed except I get more caring and if one animal shows it is hurt in any way, I keep a close eye on it. Right now I think one of my squirrels fell out of a tree and it runs in circles with it's head parallel to the ground. I just saw this the other day so I toss peanuts close to it and although it can't at first find it, it does and runs away like a drunken sailor and is seemingly happy.

The lakes in Madison, Wisconsin are a relief for me because I only have to spend $7.37 for 1-50# bag of corn to feed them right now. It is increasing now though (2 bags a week) because I think their antenna is up for the coming weather. They are coming more frequently and in more numbers.

They are amazing. They come rocketing into my backyard at the strangest times but I now see it is always close to their 5:00 P.M. dinner hour and I leave food out at 7:00 P.M. for their morning feed. I keep the big dish or top of a bird bath filled with fresh water and the ducks think they have a private pool. They actually wait for me to fill it and hop in and just sit there.

I don't care to be out anywhere after dark but if one stray squirrel or duck happen to stop by I make sure they are fed and content before I can relax. I said rocket in the above paragraph, they come in so fast. They miss the telephone wires and trees and anything in their path. They come down right in front of me sooo gracefully yet fast. They come feet first and leave head first. Their wing spread is magnificent and so graceful. They run really fast and take off and with poetry in motion. If you could just watch them in slooow motion.

Last night I was thinking as I watched them how wonderful it would be if the world got along like nature. There were 2 big, no, huge rabbits, 3 squirrels and maybe... 5 ducks all eating out of the same patch of corn mixed with bird seed and a bird would fly in and eat and leave. They do this all right in front of me. I am in awe and wonderment as I sit still and talk to them lightly and they seem to respond. The ducks make a cooing sound.

If you all read this, I could sure use help with donations to feed the little ones. I always say, I wonder if one day there will be a bear in my backyard and what would I do. I wish all people could be a part of the natural process of nature as I am seeing it.

And, by-the-way, I am now writing a childrens book on my ducks. Watch for it. It is going to be called, "My Little Lost Duck, (now found). It is about an experience I just had with a mom and baby duck and myself.

Have a beautiful day.

I am sincerely,

Marilyn R. Meier-O'Brien

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Fundraiser HUMANE SOCIETY OF NE GEORGiA

For Immediate Release

Humane Society Melds

Animals & Art for New Fundraiser

Gainesville, GA (Aug. XX, 2010)—The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (HSNEGA) has announced that it will hosting Art with Heart, an art showing and silent auction to be held Friday, September 24 from 7-10 p.m. 2010 will be the premier year for this fundraising event with all proceeds benefiting the shelter’s operations.

“Most of our fundraising events are sporting events, such as our golf tournament and 5K run,” says Rick Aiken, president of the HSNEGA. “We wanted to host a new event with a festive focus that would appeal to a different type of animal welfare supporter.”

The benefit will take place at Grove Street Station in Gainesville, located at 610 Grove Street. The event will feature fine art, folk art, pottery and sculpture donated by renowned regional and local artists including Anne Brodie Hill, Rosemary Dodd, Jane Taylor, Amanda Carder, Janet Cornett, Betty Romberg, and Craig Corbin. All artwork will be available for silent auction during the event.

The event also will showcase local musical artists April Cummings and Chad Bowmar as well as entertainment by magician Jeff McClure. A heavy hors d’oeuvre buffet will be catered by Scott’s on the Square, who will also be offering a cash bar with signature event cocktails.

Tickets for the event are $50 per person and sponsor tables for 8 are available for $500. A limited number of tickets/table are available for the event; the requested RSVP date is Friday, September 17.

To purchase tickets, or for more information about being a sponsor or donating artwork, please call Julie Edwards, HSNEGA Director of Development & Marketing, at 770-532-6617.

About the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia:

Serving Northeast Georgia since 1913, the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (HSNEGA) is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 regional shelter serving the needs of animals, pet owners and the community at large concerning animal welfare issues.

Our mission is to prevent the neglect, cruelty and exploitation of animals while assuring their interests and well-being are fully, effectively and humanely protected by an aware and caring society. In October 2009, HSNEGA became a selective admission shelter and no longer euthanizes animals based on space limitations or duration of stay.

HERE is the website link to the humane society auction post: http://www.humanesocietyofnortheastgeorgia.org/

Sea Otters Awareness Week

Sea Otter Awareness Week

Sea Otter Awareness Week 2010 will be celebrated September 26 - October 2.

Every year, Defenders of Wildlife organizes and promotes Sea Otter Awareness Week to teach people about the integral role that sea otters play in the nearshore marine ecosystem and to promote research and conservation programs.”

For further information, check this out this link: http://www.defenders.org/programs_and_policy/wildlife_conservation/imperiled_species/sea_otter/education_and_outreach/awareness_week.php

In an article titled, California Sea Otter Threats, Defenders of Wildlife states, “The California sea otter was listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act in 1977, and at that time, the number one threat identified was oil spills.”

Now, in 2010, they are not only endangered by oil but face other threats as well, all posing a deadly threat to the survival of our sea otters!

“Exposure to disease and contaminants:”

“Starting in 1998, disease has contributed to about 40 percent of the number of sea otter deaths each year. This is an unprecedented figure for any wildlife population.”

Some diseases causing peril to the sea otter populations include fatal infections from worms, bacterial infections, infections of the brain and fungal infections.

Pesticides such as DDT “persist in the environment and enter into the marine ecosystem in run-off” from agricultural systems.

In recent years, including a suspected spike in April 2004, dead and dying sea otters are being found with domoic acid – a toxin produced by decaying algae. While still an unconfirmed mystery, scientists suspect the algal blooms that result in the release of domoic acid are linked to the increase in pollutants in our nearshore waters.”

Finally, there is oil pollution -- the No. 1 threat to sea otters. Oil pollution can cause hypothermia and organ damage in sea otters. When their fur becomes matted by oil, the insulation is impaired. Sea otters can’t maintain heat and they die from exposure.”

“Interactions with Fishing Gear:”

Fishing gear used by commercial fishermen to catch specific types of fish can be lethal to non-target species.” The problem is known as bycatch, “the capture of a non-target species” and it is a particular problem to the southern sea otter which has been federally listed as “threatened” and has also been “declining in recent years.

Gill nets, trammel nets, and live fish traps all poses hazards to the sea otter population.

Gill nets, which are left out unattended for 12-24 hour periods, hang like curtains in the water with weights at the bottom and floaters at the top. Sea otters drown in the nets when they dive, foraging for food, and become entangled in the nets.

Trammel nets are large mesh nets, left out unattended for 24 hour periods, also result in “entanglement and drowning of non-target species such as the sea otter.”

Live fish traps do just what the name implies: catch fish live.” Fish and other marine animals swim into the traps but cannot swim out. “Though a dead sea otter has not been documented in a live fish trap off the California coast, it is believed that California sea otters do have encounters with live fish traps that may prove deadly.”

Acidification of the oceans:

“Acidification of the oceans due to excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Roughly a quarter of the carbon dioxide emitted each year ends up dissolved in ocean water, a process that forms carbonic acid, which eats away at the shells of the calcium carbonate mineral shells common to coral reefs, shellfish species like clams, mussels and oysters, and sea urchins and starfish – vital food sources for sea otters and other marine predators.”

Defenders of Wildlife TOP 4 CAMPAiGNS

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

TOP FOUR CAMPAIGNS

Here are four of Defenders of Wildlife campaigns and petitions for you to look at and Take Action on !

This is one of the easiest ways you can support what Defenders of Wildlife is doing to safeguard American wilderness and their inhabitants. Animals cannot sign these or advocate for their rights and so we must, in all good conscience, do it for them and for our sacred habitat.

Please find a moment and make it your pledge this month to look at these issues, sign and forward these petitions to five friends or family members. Pay it forward on behalf of the animals !

I. GULF OiL DiSASTER

Oiled Pelican rescued from the Gulf of Mexico

USFWS National Digital Library

Photo Credit: Betton, Kim

"As the world's attention turns away from the massive oil spill that devastated the Gulf of Mexico this year, wildlife and habitat in the Gulf is continuing to suffer the consequences of one of the worst environmental accidents in our lifetimes. Many of the spill's impacts are likely to last for decades, including the possible loss of an entire breeding season for many bird, fish and sea turtle species. Defenders of Wildlife is working with state and federal agencies to ensure that plans are in place to help the region's wildlife, marshlands, parks and wildlife refuges recover, and to help monitor the ongoing impacts of the disaster."

TAKE ACTION PETITION

for Loggerhead Sea Turtles:

https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1799

II. WOLVES

Gray wolf

USFWS National Digital Library

Photo Credit: Kramer, Gary

"Gray wolves in the Northern Rockies have just been placed under federal protection due to a recent court decision. Unfortunately, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are still looking for ways to reduce their wolf populations. Defenders of Wildlife is working with the states, ranchers, hunters and other stakeholders to ensure a healthy future for wolves in the region."

TAKE ACTION PETITION

Support a new beginning for wolves:

https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1851

III. CLIMATE CHANGE

Polar Bear Female with Young
USFWS National Digital Library

Photo Credit: Susanne Miller

"Global climate change is already impacting wildlife and natural habitats, changing everything from when flowers bloom to when birds migrate, and altering the weather in ways that may make some areas uninhabitable for certain native wildlife species, including polar bears and pikas. Defenders of Wildlife is working with Congress and the Obama administration to ensure that policies and resources are made available to address the worst impacts of climate change."

TAKE ACTION PETITION

Save Sea Turtles and Polar Bears

from Big Oil's Double-Barreled Thread:

https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1779

IV. RENEWABLE ENERGY

Desert Tortoise
USFWS National Digital Library

Photo Credit: Jackson, Beth

"One of the best ways to address climate change is to help the U.S. quickly transition to a cleaner, greener energy economy. Unfortunately, many of the renewable energy projects now proposed or underway are located on America's public lands, which also form some of the last, best habitat for America's wildlife. Defenders of Wildlife is working with state and federal decisionmakers to put rules in place that will help us design renewable energy projects that are "smart from the start," with the smallest possible impacts on wildlife and habitat."

TAKE ACTION PETITION

Support Wildlife-friendly Clean Energy:

https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1859

One person can make a profound difference.

Won't you be the one ?

Click on the link above to visit DOW's website !

You can also take a peek at Defenders blog HERE

If you did not get to read the first EFA Blog article

on Defenders of Wildlife:

click HERE

SEPTEMBER COTM: Defenders of Wildlife

September's

Charity of the Month is...

Defenders of Wildlife

Thank you so much to our fabulous team for hosting Charity of the Month and to all our sellers who participate in this program.

Be sure to have all your COTM items tagged 'team efa cotm' (this can replace the generic 'team efa' tag) and if your item is going to benefit Defenders of Wildlife no matter when it sells... you can also use the tag: 'defenders' ! Using these tags helps to identify your pledge and makes it easier for shoppers & Treasury makers to locate your products :) We also have a brand new COTM EFA LOGO... (look on the left hand side of the blog) if you are an EFA member, this beautiful logo can be uploaded in all your COTM Etsy product listings.

Throughout the month of September, brizel4TheAnimals will be donating 20% of Silk Tapestry Box sales to this wonderful organization. Come visit my Etsy shop to peruse through my lovely collection of animal theme keepsakes !

I am so thrilled that my nomination won Team EFA September's Charity of the Month ! I think very highly of Defenders of Wildlife... value their philosophy & mission and most importantly that what they achieve makes a noteworthy and worthwhile historic impact in the realms of animal & wilderness advocacy work.

It all started in the late 1940's with one employee and 1500 members... sixty years later this organization has over 150 professionals working out of 11 field offices on behalf of Defenders of Wildlife and there are now approximately 500,000 members !!!

Clearly there is a story of passion & dedication here... This stained glass window* which resides in the lobby of their national headquarters in Washington DC illustrates some of the many species of animals and wildlife that Defenders have worked so hard to protect... amongst them eagle, wolf, seal, owl, bison, polar bear, penguin, woodpecker, cheetah, bear, turtle, frog, birds butterfly, monkey, elephant...

"Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities." They "work to protect and restore America's native wildlife, safeguard habitat, resolve conflicts, work across international borders and educate and mobilize the public."

This is impressive & awesome work because to protect the integrity of the whole ecosystem is crucial to understanding that it is not just a question of rescuing animals so that they can live in a designated park or be on display in a zoo... its about honoring the habitat and 'allowing' them the dignity and right to continue to live in 'their' own home territory. It isn't an 'us or them' situation... its about learning to share this land equitably to the benefit of all.

Thankfully, Defenders of Wildlife Success Stories are abundant (click HERE to read about the most recent ones and to sign up for their Action Alerts) and whilst their work will never be easy... as quoted from DOW's 2009 Annual Report: "On Inauguration Day 2009, the world truly changed. For Defenders of Wildlife, the swearing in of President Barack Obama shifted both the realm of possibilities and our strategic outlook. For eight years we'd fought off near constant attacks on the environment. With our new president and a more favorable Congress, we could once again focus on achieving positive outcomes for wildlife."

DOW is an award winning organization that has been recognized as one of America's Top 100 Charities not only by Reader's Digest but also Worth Magazine, and is the recipient of the Natural Resources Council of America's award for Most Effective Action on Federal Policy. Click HERE to read more about these awards.

Defenders of Wildlife's Top 4 Campaigns at the moment focus around the gulf oil disaster, wolves, climate change and renewable energy. Tomorrow, I will be posting a blog feature on these campaigns and their corresponding Take Action petitions so that you can sign them & inspire others to do so as well.

Would you like to become a DOW member... or a Wildlife Guardian... join the President's Council... make a one time donation... or plan some other type of gift. Click HERE to view all those options and more.

DOW depends on people like us to make a difference. Won't you please help ?

Click on the link above to visit DOW's website !

You can also peruse through their blog HERE

If you'd like to place the above widget on your web and/or blog site, please contact me for the code through my Etsy shop: brizel4TheAnimals.

Lets get the word out about Defenders !

Thank you, Nicole

Footnote: DOW logo reproduced with written permission; *Stained glass window was created by Bixler-Smith Studios and photographed by Peter Corcoran, Defenders of Wildlife.