Twenty-five bowlers flocked to Morgan Hill Bowl Sunday, March 18 helping to raise $2,200 in funds for Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center’s fifth annual Bowl-A-Thon.
The Morgan Hill-based nonprofit takes in injured birds of prey and other animals and nurses them back to health. Animals, like Owlivia, a Western Screech Owl, that cannot be released into the wild often become part of WERC’s resident animal team.
WERC educational coordinator Anna Pascual said the fundraiser provides needed resources for their busy spring season.
“We put it on in March specifically for our spring season because that’s when we have the most animals coming in,” said Pascual. “It helps with the cost of caring for baby animals. It basically helps pay for food and medical care.”
Community supporter Emily Shem-Tov said her family became involved with WERC years ago and have become devoted regulars at its events.
“Clara, my daughter, is utterly obsessed with owls and the work WERC does—she’s gotten the whole family involved,” Shem-Tov said.
Shem-Tov said her daughter, who also took first place, raised $250 this year with the Bowl-A-Thon, which she said is unique because her daughter is not an official WERC volunteer. Shem-Tov says she and her family are please to participate. “They need a new location, it’s just great to get the word out,” Shem-Tom said.
To learn more about WERC’s programs or to make a donation, visit werc-ca.org.
