The Lewa USA Gala, Fall for Rhinos, held on October 8th at The Union Club in New York welcomed 170 guests for a rhino-rich evening. 22 artists generously enhanced small rhinos that were used as centre pieces at the tables and then sold for auction. Attendees came from far and wide. Kathleen Crook, Lewa UK Board member joined the group as did US Board members from as far off as California and London. Among our guests were artists, vets, Kenyan students, and many of Lewa’s loyal followers.
Bryan Christy of National Geographic and 2014 National Geographic Explorer of the Year, spoke of the dramatic and pernicious nature of the trade in ivory and rhino horn. Mike Watson, Lewa’s CEO discussed the community programmes at Lewa that are changing the game in our anti-poaching efforts. And we hailed Betsy Searle who steps down as President of the Lewa USA Board of Trustees this year as we welcomed Tony Barclay as the new Lewa USA Chair.
The evening was ribald and generous support for Lewa was offered by the group. A baby rhino naming and the naming of two cheetah brothers – partners in the hunt – were auctioned along with a fishing trip with Fabio Terlevich.
We are grateful to all who came and to our wonderful volunteers, Kate, Ali, Elektra and Josy and to Hadley Rouse who donated the wonderful design for our invitation!
