Chirps and Chips brings gambling for a good cause

Patrons at the 4th Annual Chirps and Chips fundraiser will be able to “bet on the birds” for a good cause. 

The event, presented by the Alabama Wildlife Center’s Junior Board and Raptor Force, will take place at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. Attendees can play casino-style games, bid on items in the silent auction and enjoy food, beverages and live entertainment. 

The fundraiser benefits the Alabama Wildlife Center. Located at Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehab facility cares for over 2,000 of Alabama’s native birds each year, from hummingbirds to red-tailed hawks. 

Doug Adair, executive director of AWC, said this fundraiser is very significant to the non-profit organization, which does not receive state or local funding. 

“It takes a lot of resources to care for these animals and provide the programming that we do throughout the state,” Adair said. “Our resources are stretched to the limit, especially during this summer baby bird season. We very much depend on an event like this to provide the funding we need to fulfill our mission.” 

The mission of the AWC is to rescue, rehab and release birds back into the wild. They also provide education and outreach to schools, business groups and civic organizations.

“Chirps and Chips provides a really fun opportunity for people in the community and throughout the state to come together and have a really fun night of entertainment and support the Alabama Wildlife Center at the same time,” Adair said. 

Guests will also have an opportunity to meet AWC’s “Education Ambassadors,” glove-trained birds of prey that are non-releasable because of their injuries. These raptors serve as ambassadors for their species and are part of the education programming to introduce people to these animals.  

Gina Hinson, volunteer and former Junior Raptor president, has been a part of this event since its inception. She said its popularity has grown with each year. 

“It’s fun for people of all ages,” Hinson said. “Our fundraisers are a great way for us to not only raise money, but also awareness about what we do at the center.”

Money raised at the event will be used to improve the visitors experience at the headquarters. Adair said they hope to upgrade the facility and improve the exhibits. 

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased prior to the event at awrc.org or by calling 663-7930. They will also be on sale at the door prior to the event. Those who buy their tickets early will be entered into a drawing for an Alabama barbecue sampler.