It’s time to look back on 2024! Check our blog between Christmas and New Year’s for a variety of stories and memories of 2024 from the staff and volunteers of the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
As year-end activities began to pick up in the advancement office, I was reaching out to our supporters to ask for their consideration of a year-end gift. On one particular day, I spoke with a supporter who typically makes a generous contribution during the holidays. He was cheerful and mentioned that his gift was already on the way. We chatted briefly about how things were going at the Center, and I asked if he had ever been to the Center for a tour. He told me he had visited, but it had probably been 15 or more years.
I told him he was always welcome to visit, and he responded with, “Well, how about Tuesday?” I was amazed, especially since he lives more than three hours away! We scheduled the visit for the upcoming Tuesday, and when he arrived, I was excited to welcome him.
We walked through the library, where he enjoyed meeting Allegheny, Clifford, and Elliott. But as we moved outside and turned the corner toward our raptors, something unexpected happened. He enthusiastically waved at Maggie and said, “Hey Maggie! How have you been?” I hadn’t told him her name, so I was surprised to see him recognize her right away!
When we reached Buddy, our Bald Eagle, he excitedly called out, “Oh, I hear you, Buddy!” He spent time interacting with each animal, speaking to them and waving as we moved along the grounds. It dawned on me that he must follow our animals online, perhaps watching them on the Critter Cams. This connection was more than just a donation — he was truly a part of the Center’s community.
This experience reminded me just how deeply our animals, and our mission, resonate with people from all walks of life. This supporter not only took the time to drive six hours to visit us, but he also expressed his commitment to always support the Center as long as he was “around.” It was a powerful reminder that our work has far-reaching impacts, and the relationships we build with our supporters mean the world.
— Chris Aycock, Director of Advancement