While they weren’t exactly howling at the full moon, they did have a wild night.
Members and friends of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy gathered at Indian Springs Metropark’s Discovery Center last Friday for the 5th Annual Wild Night Out Benefit Auction.
‘We had over 130 guests,? NOHLC executive director Katie Anderson said. ‘Proceeds were over $22,000.?
The Wild Night Out Benefit Auction is the club’s largest fundraising event of the year. Their next big meeting will be in the spring, when protecting water/wetlands will be discussed.
Before dinner, auction and business, and with the music of David and Karyn Anderson playing, guests had time to mingle and look over auction items.
Blinn and Barb Rush of Clarkston were in attendance — their first event with NOHLC.
‘I think it’s a great idea,? Barb said.
Blinn said he is looking into granting easements to the group for property he owns on Park Lake. ‘In 1957, I built a cottage there. We lived in Pleasant Ridge for over 30 years and only recently moved up to Clarkston. We enjoy the community.?
Catherine and David Beaten of Grand Blanc also enjoyed the evening. ‘This is a fabulous organization,? Catherine said, adding, ‘We need more groups like this.?
Husband David echoed his wife’s opinion, ‘Preserving the quality of our natural resources is a worthwhile cause and something I want to be a part of.?
Guest Dan Manthie was also glad to be present and asked what was the process of granting easements to the group. ‘We are so blessed to have so many wonderful, open areas.?
In between sips of Wild Martinis, with names like ‘Massasauga? (has a bite that won’t kill) and ‘Purple Loose? Strive (it will take you over), buffet dinner and deserts, NOHLC honored Tom and Loraine Hall of Independence Township.
They were given the Blue Heron Award for their support and ‘stewardship? of the land. Over the years, the Halls have granted NOHLC six easements totalling 10.4 acres. State Rep. John Stakoe also presented the family with plaque of gratitude from the Michigan State House of Representatives.
‘Our preference would have been to give the award to the entire group (NOHLC) itself,? Tom said. ‘They have done so much to make this a better community — to help conserve some of our diminishing natural resources.?
Loraine, who was surprised to be given the award, agreed, ‘They do deserve a great deal of credit.?
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There were plenty of items for folks to bid on — either silently or out in the open. Celebrity auctioneer Tim Birtsas worked his charm to get the bids up. Big winners of the evening were Springfield Township’s Wayne and Nancy Strole. Don’t expect to see as much of the couple as they won bids for trips to Belize and a photographic safari in South Africa.
Other items auctioned included the use of a Vermont cabin for a week, a chance to be a walk-on in a the upcoming movie, ‘Corpses of Carnaye,? excursions on the Polar Express and a three hour cruise on Lake St. Clair.
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NOHLC is one of the oldest land conservancies in Michigan. It was incorporated in 1972. Since then, membership has grown to over 350. The group’s land holdings include 48 parcels, totalling over 1,047 acres.
To find out more about the group or to join, check out their website at www.nohlc.org.