North Country Wild Care: Gala Coming to Saratoga Springs

SARATOGA SPRINGS — For 24 years, North Country Wild Care has committed to protecting and revitalizing the wildlife across nine New York counties. From bunnies to hawks, and from tree frogs to deer, this non-profit organization has called on their network of licensed volunteer members to restore these animals to full health so they can successfully return to the wild. 

“You have people with all different career experiences from all over the area, but we have this unified passion for helping wildlife,” said North Country Vice president Maureen Tusty. 

“I think the majority of people came into volunteering because they had an experience where they found an animal, and they didn’t know how to help, or they didn’t know where to bring it, and they discovered the North Country hotline and then said, oh my, this is an amazing service. How can I help more? And so that’s how a lot of people get involved,” Tusty said. “People are very caring, and when these situations happen, they want to help, and that’s how they get involved with North Country. And that’s why I think our wildlife rehabilitators are committed to doing this, because it’s very hands-on. There’s an immediate need for it.” 

Now receiving more than 22,000 calls per year, North Country continues to look for ways to spread knowledge and awareness about how to best protect and rejuvenate the nature that surrounds everyone.

As a way to spread some of that awareness, North Country Wild Care is holding a spring Gala event on Sunday, May 18 at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs. This event will give the public an opportunity to join members of North Country to learn more about how to help injured wildlife, or how to get more involved with the program if they are interested, all while enjoying food, live music, and other event activities.

Members of the organization will speak to attendees throughout the event about how to handle an injured or orphaned animal when it’s found, or how to get that animal to North Country as fast as possible. Long-time meteorologist and founder of the group Pet Connection Steve Caporizzo will be the keynote speaker at the spring gala. 

North Country members will also be joined by some of the organization’s wildlife ambassadors, animals who were unable to return to full health and return to the wild. Gala participants will learn more about how these animals serve as helpers for the organization, going to enclosures and schools to act as educators for helping nature. 

Attendees will be able to enjoy a variety of menu options during the event, which will include vegetarian and vegan choices as well. Live music will also be provided during the meal from electro-acoustic group Tooty and the Mother Plucker, a husband-and-wife duo who are also members of North Country Wild Care. 

Following the meal and speeches, there will be a silent auction available to everyone in attendance. All items up for auction, including many that are wildlife themed, are donated to the gala by local businesses, artists, and individuals. One major item will be a pontoon boat ride on Lake George, while others are expected to include wildlife gift baskets, art or craft work, and more. A wine raffle will also be taking place throughout the duration of the auction. All proceeds from both the auction and the raffle go towards supporting the mission of North Country Wild Care.

The Gideon Putnam is located at 24 Gideon Putnam Road. Visit https://ticketstripe.com/NCWC-Gala-2025 to buy tickets or donate to North Country Wild Care. More information about North Country Wild Care can be found at https://northcountrywildcare.org/. If you come across an injured or orphaned wild animal, you can call the emergency hotline number for North Country Wild Care at 518-964-6740.