Audubon Supporters Save the Day

Every cloud does indeed have a silver lining. When the dark cloud of COVID-19 descended upon Savannah this spring, Skidaway Audubon was forced to cancel our annual golf tournament -- our one big fundraiser of the year. Many of our supporters already had sent in their sponsorship donations. However, when each was contacted and offered a refund, not one business or individual accepted. “In all honesty, we should not have been surprised,” said Skidaway Audubon President Carolyn McInerney. “It clearly reflects the kindness and generosity that prevails in our community. We’re blessed to have such wonderful patrons, and we thank each of them for their unwavering support in these extremely trying times.” Enabling Audubon to continue our work are Georgine Scott of The Landings Company, Meyer & Sayers LLP, Bartlett Tree Experts, Yates-Astro, and J. Hodges Construction. Also J.C. Lewis Ford, McClain Shallow Wells, Gracious Moves, Lucas & Associates CPAs, Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Meredith Lamas/State Farm, Rubnitz, Thompson & Ziblut, Sandfly Custom Framing, Village Hair Design, Four Seasons Travel, Chatham Parkway Lexus, and the following Landings Company employees and agents: Raoul Rushin, Jill Brooks, Ginna Carroll, Pat Ewaldsen, Alan Blevins, Linda Novack, Steve Polsinelli, George Jorgenson, Christy Moore, Gus Moore, Bob Jennings, and Mary Beth McInerney. In addition, individual contributions were made by Nancy Sheets, Carolyn and Bob Ernest, Jean and Ed Deitch, Don McCulloch for the Tallow Terrors, Mike and Muffin King, Rick and Denise Cunningham, Barbara and Mike Werneke, John and Leta Martin, John Kane, Janet and Andy Eastwood, Jim and Carolyn McInerney, Louise and Tom Wagner, Judy and Richard Eckberg, David Goslin and Nancy McGirr, The Landings Garden Club, and David and Patricia Frothingham. Skidaway Audubon also received donations in support of our various conservation projects, including a grant from The Landings Garden Club, an in-memoriam contribution, and donations from the sale of wildlife-themed yard art, as well as a contribution from our first “Sponsor a Trail” donor, Margaret (Meg) Kettlitz, who sponsored a bluebird trail on the back 9 of Oakridge. “We’re so grateful for all of our supporters,” said McInerney. “It is hoped that at some point in the future, we can return to festive fundraising events for all to enjoy. In the meantime, we’ll continue to carry out a range of conservation programs for the protection and enhancement of our island community.” An all-volunteer organization, Skidaway Audubon maintains the largest network of bluebird houses in the Southeast, the largest Diamondback Terrapin rescue project in the Southeast, a state-of-the-art bird cam, an invasive tree removal program, a garden to help reverse the worldwide loss of pollinating insects, bat houses to reduce mosquito populations, weather stations to promote water saving irrigation practices, plantings to save vanishing monarch butterflies, a litter patrol, and efforts to promote environmental education and sustainability. Are you interested in supporting Skidaway Audubon? Membership is just $35 a year, available through Friends of Skidaway Audubon. To join, or for more details, visit skidawayaudubon.org.