Audubon Greenwich Partners with Greenwich Harbor Yacht Show [Video]

Audubon Greenwich is partnering with the upcoming Greenwich Harbor Yacht Showcase weekend to raise money for the group's efforts to clean up Long Island Sound and expand public education programs about the waterway.

With Greenwich Harbor as the scenic backdrop for a press conference announcing the benefit, representatives from Audubon and the animal rescue agency Wildlife in Crisis, discussed the family-oriented weekend scheduled to be held Sept. 9 - 11 at the Delamar hotel. Audubon will be the beneficiary of a preview party on Sept. 9 where visitors will be able to view luxury boats, fine art, a fashion show, jewelry and other high-end merchandise, and a display of a rare one-of-a-kind Corvette.

Karen Dixon, Audubon Greenwich executive director, said her group is pleased to partner with the showcase, which is organizing its sixth annual show. About 400 are expected to attend the benefit that will donate 50 percent of the $75 admission to the Audubon.

Dixon said it is important for residents to be aware that everyday events such as fertilizing lawns ultimately impact the fragility of Long Island Sound and the marine life found there. The benefit will help the group expand its education programs about and preservation efforts in Long Island Sound and its natural inhabitants, she said.

Amy Jenner of the Weston-based Wildlife in Crisis, a rescue and rehabilitation agency for injured and orphaned animals, cradled a Canada goose in her arms, during Tuesday's presentation. The goose named Emma, was rescued recently and suffers from neurological damage caused by heavy metal poisoning has caused the bird to have wing droop and difficulty in walking.

"Without volunteer-run organizations like these, Audubon would not be able to help people help wildlife," said Jeff Cordulack, Audubon's communications director. "These rehabilitators are experts in caring for wild animals and pick up where vets and animal hospitals leave off."

Charles Mallory, founder and CEO of the Delamar, said the showcase weekend will feature about 50 boats docked at his luxury hotel and exhibitors of high-end merchandise ranging from hand-made bronze telescopes, clothing and special interest cars to fine marine art to be displayed by the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery of Fairfield.

Cordulack said there also will be activities for families including boat tours, kayaking and canoeing, wild animal exhibits, and the Audubon's Nature Game Exploration Station,  throughout the weekend. (Admission to the show on Sept. 10 and 11 is free.)

The collector cars will be exhibited by the Greenwich-based Carriage House Motors. Owner Michael Schudroff brought his one-of-a-kind 1963 Corvette Rondine to Tuesday's presentation - the only steel-bodied Corvette made by Pinanfarina of Italy that is worth more than $2 million.

For more information, log on to www.thedelamar.com or call 203-661-9800.

Editor's note: This story has been amended to reflect correct hometown base of Wildlife in Crisis.