"The AZ Insider" with Kathy Shayna Shocket: Get the inside scoop on Arizona's social scene and celebrity news.
This week: A wild party and hearts soared...
The moonlit flight of a rescued and rehabilitated bird of prey is one of the most magnificent experiences you can be a part of on the social fundraising scene. Just ask those who attend the annual “Wishes for Wildlife” to benefit Liberty Wildlife, or chat with Karen and Bob Hobbs who released a great horned owl into the evening sky at this year’s dinner party.
"Your heart goes pitter patter that the animal is going back into the world after it was rescued and rehabilitated,” says Karen. That emotional moment (pictured above) was captured by SRP photographer Mike Eller. SRP’s Richard Hayslip is chairman of Liberty Wildlife’s Board of Directors. Hearts soared among the 400 guests at the event under the stars at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess.
Karen and Bob Hobbs are passionate about Liberty Wildlife – its mission to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife- its educational programs in the schools and its use of donated dollars. “They use their money wisely,” notes Karen of the recently audited non-profit organization. And executive director Megan Mosby is proud that only 7% of their monies are allotted for administrative costs (two full-time staff and five part-time). It’s 350 very dedicated volunteers is reflective of the success of the organization.
Craig Jackson is among the many Liberty Wildlife cheerleaders who gives a hoot! The Chairman and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Co, Craig, is pictured below at the event as he gets ready to release a rescued and rehabilitated great horned owl.
The release was particularly emotional for Craig –as it was in memory of his mother, the late Nellie Jackson. The cherished memories of Nellie Jackson, co-founder and matriarch of the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, will live on among the countless lives she touched. Philanthropy was important to Nellie, who we lost this year, at 90- years-young.
Yes, in memory of Nellie Jackson, the First Lady of the Barrett-Jackson family, and the incredible work of Liberty Wildlife – the owl flew into the freedom of the Arizona night.
Liberty Wildlife’s uplifting success story continues as they embark on a $10 million capital campaign for an endowment and new building. With naming opportunities in the capital portion beginning at $10,000, the campaign offers a meaningful menu of funding alternatives and financial partnerships.
Oh, and many thank yous to Tom Sneva for donating tickets to the Indy 500 for the live auction. The tickets are for the race’s 100 anniversary race. The live auction was much appreciated and popular. Tom, as you probably know, won the 1983 Indianapolis 500.
Pictured above at the Liberty Wildlife party from left to right are supporters Pam Overton, Kathleen Lang and Megan Mosby.
Kathy Shayna Shocket is a Phoenix based writer. If you have a good item for The AZ Insider, you can email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
