provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 7th annual WILD About CROW gala fundraiser, benefiting the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). The event will take place Saturday, January 16, 2027, at The Forest Country Club in Fort Myers.

As one of Southwest Florida’s leading wildlife rehabilitation organizations, CROW plays an essential role in protecting the region’s native and migratory wildlife. Each year, the nonprofit provides veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, and care to thousands of sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitats.

The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club’s sponsorship reflects its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, community partnerships, and supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference on Sanibel and Captiva.

“Protecting our natural environment is an important part of what makes our islands so special,” said Sally Haynes, President of the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club and a CROW volunteer. “CROW does incredible work caring for wildlife throughout Southwest Florida, and we are proud to support an organization that shares Rotary’s commitment to protecting the environment and strengthening our community.”

The Feathered Friend Fund A Need sponsorship by the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club is a vital addition to WILD About CROW’s video presentation, according to Michelle Menendez, Interim Executive Director at CROW.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club for their generous support of WILD About CROW,” said Menendez. “Their sponsorship helps us bring the stories of our wildlife patients to life, connecting guests to CROW’s mission and inspiring them to make a meaningful difference. We are fortunate to have such dedicated community partners who believe in our work, and we truly appreciate Rotary’s role in making this special evening possible.”

The WILD About CROW gala is CROW’s largest annual fundraising event, bringing together community members, businesses, and supporters to celebrate wildlife conservation while raising critical funds for the organization’s programs. This year’s fundraiser will place a special emphasis on supporting CROW’s avian program and its work caring for injured and orphaned birds.

The evening will feature dinner, live entertainment, auctions, and opportunities to meet CROW’s Educational Wildlife Ambassadors. Gulf Coast News anchor Channing Frampton will serve as emcee. To purchase tickets or donate an auction item, click here. Through its sponsorship, the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club continues its tradition of supporting local nonprofits and initiatives that preserve the natural beauty, wildlife, and quality of life of Southwest Florida.

About the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club is a service organization dedicated to making a positive impact locally and beyond. Guided by Rotary International’s motto, “Service Above Self,” members support charitable organizations, environmental initiatives, education, and community projects through volunteerism, philanthropy, and fellowship. The Club meets Friday mornings at 8 a.m. at the Sanibel Community House.

About the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
Founded in 1968, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the sick, injured, and orphaned native and migratory wildlife of Southwest Florida and beyond. Through veterinary care, educational programs, and a visitor center, CROW strives to improve the health of wildlife and the environment. Its state-of-the-art Harkey Sea Turtle Complex opened in 2026. For more information, please visit http://www.crowclinic.org. If you find an animal in need of help, call 239-322-5068 or visit https://crowclinic.org/found-animal.

We are interested in articulate, well-informed remarks that are relevant to the article. We welcome your advice, your criticism and your unique insights into the issues of the day. To be approved for publication, your comments should be civil and avoid name-calling. It may take up to 24 hours for your comment to appear, if it is approved.