CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael Wildlife lovers will open hearts and wallets for the Effie Yeaw Nature Center Spring Gala on June 11.

Supporters of the beloved Carmichael non-profit will wine, dine and likely see wildlife within yards of their tables.

Rio Americano musicians will provide background jazz as radio host Doug Thomas emcees and auctioneer Keith McLane spurs donor generosity. Much of the proceeds go to programs for schools that could not otherwise afford student nature experiences.

The fundraiser traditionally centers on an art auction. Donations this year include work from Carmichael painters Pat Mahony, Tom Sellas and the late Earl Boley. Deladier Almeida, William Ishmael, Boyd Gavin, Terry Miura and David Post have also provided canvases and an original etching by internationally famed Jian Wang will be offered.

Experiences up for grabs include Sacramento Philharmonic season tickets, a performance of Les Misérables, VIP Sacramento Kings seats, wildlife tours, wine tastings, Sacramento River Cats admission, camping vacations, and an airplane ride through the Sierra Foothills.

Patrons are also encouraged to raise paddles to fund specific Nature Center needs. Administered by the American River Natural History Association, the facility welcomes more than 100,000 visitors per year. An adjacent 100-acre preserve is protected home for wildlife of many species.

Gala tickets are $160 each and include dinner by Bella Bru, plus hosted beer and wine. 2023 sponsors include Fred and Betsy Weiland, Sierra National Construction, Deborah and Bob Moskovitz, Marcy Friedman, SMUD, Drs Kevin Tanner and Gabrielle Rasi, Randy Getz and Pat Mahony and Cbec Eco Engineering.

For fundraiser information, visit www.sacnaturecenter.net