ASHEVILLE NC – The Friends of the WNC Nature Center invite the local community to join them for the 2^nd annual “Mountain Safari” – a wild social adventure at the WNC Nature Center on Thursday, May 31, 2012, from 6-9 p.m.. The Nature Center will open its doors for an evening soiree guaranteed to delight even the most festive of partygoers, all in the name of furthering the mission of the WNC Nature Center.

Live entertainment at Mountain Safari is as varied as the different animal inhabitants of the Nature Center. Bluegrass musician Rob Russell, the Asheville-based rock band Sunshine and the Bad Things, and native son and musical genius/headliner Aaron Woody Wood will be performing, as well as the enchanting Bhangra dancers Christine Garvin and Diana McCall. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy evening encounters with the owls, otters, cougars, wolves, and more!  Delicious food generously donated by area restaurant favorites like Azalea Café, Chili’s, Edna’s of Asheville, Fig Bistro, The Marketplace, and Ultimate Ice Cream will satisfy partygoer’s taste buds.  To wash down the delectable bites, Asheville Brewing Company is generously providing beer and, to commemorate the Center’s “Year of the Red Wolf,” attendees are encouraged to come early for a limited release bottle of Rufus Red Ale!

The Friends Executive Director Kimberly Brewster shared, “This year’s event is not only shaping up to be wilder than the last, it is also receiving great support from business, restaurants and now the community with tickets being bought up quick!”  She hopes everyone will come out for a “fun evening of great entertainment and adventure as we party with (and for) the animals.”

During the benefit, the Center will also treat guests to a silent auction and raffle, to help raise funds for projects at the WNC Nature Center. The silent auction will feature more than $10,000 worth of impressive and generous donations from area businesses, artists, and area attractions. Highlights from the silent auction include one of-a-kind paintings and paw prints of animals from the Nature Center, fun outdoor packages from sponsors like Diamond Brand Outdoors, and admission to Wild Walks, a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Center. 

Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best safari gear, and those that do will be entered into a special raffle. The Friends appreciate all the support from the sponsors mentioned above, as well as many others, including: Beer City Bikes, Festiva Resorts, Forest Commercial Bank, Greenhands Healing Center, Groovy Tables and Dr. Steven L. Cahan!  Tickets are available to members of the Nature Center for $40 and to non-members for $45 by advance sale and $50 at the door.  For more information visit www.wildwnc.org, or call the Friends at (828) 259-8092.                    

About Friends of the WNC Nature Center

The Mission of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center is to create awareness and provide financial resources, through fundraising and events, in support of the Nature Center – Asheville’s Wildlife Park and its mission of connecting people with animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountains by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity.