Grand Prize African Safari drawing combined with fundraiser for Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center

December 22, 2009 - Mena, Arkanasas   Lee Standing Bear Moore will be on hand to select the winning sweepstakes ticket for the grand prize of international airfare and a one-week African photo safari for two, being given away by the Feline Conservation Federation. 

The winner will be chosen January 16, 2010 at the Student Center of the Rich Mountain Community College in Mena, Arkansas. The drawing is being held in conjunction with a fundraiser for the Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center, located at the base of Rich Mountain, at the junction of highway 270 and 272.

Tommy Young, founder of the Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center holds both state and federal rehabilitation licenses. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission designated Mr. Young the official bear rehabilitator for the state. All donations and proceeds from the auction will be used to construct the bear rehabilitation enclosure.

This event is open to the public and activities are planned to appeal to all ages, from children to adults. Everyone is encouraged to attend from 2 pm to 4 pm. In addition to the African Safari sweepstake drawing, there will be plenty of food and beverage refreshments, a silent auction, door prizes, a talk on wildlife by Tommy Young, a bird release, guest appearances of exotic feline kittens with photo opportunities, and American Indian children’s stories about felines and other animals told by Standing Bear.

Standing Bear is a Kituwah (Cherokee) storyteller and historian and a long-time resident of Manataka (Hot Springs) who has studied American Indian history and customs for more than 40 years. Standing Bear will also introduce the Manataka American Indian Council, a non-profit, international, inter-tribal, cultural, educational, and spiritual organization based in Hot Springs. Standing Bear will present Tommy Young with an honorary membership.   

Mr. Young has successfully rehabbed 37 bears, 10,000 hawks, 9,000 owls, 22 bald eagles, 18 golden eagles, and 22,000 mammals.  Mr. Young is also a master falconer. Mr. Young will be giving a wildlife talk to visitors and release birds that have been successfully rehabilitated.

Lynn Culver is the executive director of the Feline Conservation Federation, (FCF) which is giving away the grand prize of international airfare and a one-week African photo safari for two. Lynn and her husband Eugene operate the NOAH Feline Conservation Center, an exotic feline breeding facility outside of Mena.  Ms. Culver will bring several exotic kittens and offer photos with the kittens.

The Feline Conservation Federation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the propagation and protection of wild felines. The FCF has been around for more than five decades.

Ms. Culver says, “Our members care for more felines than the large zoo organizations. The FCF supports the conservation and protection of natural habitat for felines such as margay, ocelot, jaguar, puma, guina, Andean cat, geoffroy’s and black-footed cats.”

The African Safari Sweepstakes is a fundraiser to help the FCF continue its programs and services. The Sweepstakes ends January 15, 2010.  Ms. Culver says, “For every $10 donation to the FCF, we enter your name on a sweepstakes form to win the grand prize of international airfare and a one-week photo safari at a Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in South Africa. The lodge provides two professionally guided game rides of the 25,000-acre reserve and three gourmet meals daily. This is a $7,000 value, and it is also completely transferable. The winner has a year to book their trip.”

Entry forms are available in Mena at Talk of the Town Beauty Salon, Town and Country Vet Hospital, and Pony Express Printers, and also can be downloaded from the FCF web site. Mail $10 donation and completed sweepstakes entry form to: FCF Sweepstakes, 141 Polk 664, Mena, AR 71953

The. Culvers are supporters of the Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center. According to Ms. Culver, the safari drawing has been combined with a benefit for the Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center because, “This is my way of thinking globally, and acting locally”. 

“Tommy’s work is extremely important to wildlife in Arkansas and the surrounding states. He is a valued member of the FCF. I have the highest respect for the work he does, and I wish to help him continue to save our sick, starving, and injured wildlife. Tommy gives nature a second chance. “

Donations are needed for the silent auction. Businesses and individuals with items to donate, or persons wanting to help with this event, please contact Lynn Culver at 479-394-5235.