Bark and Wine Benefit for Noah’s Ark

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Eachyear, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary cares for hundreds of animals in need of a forever home. The no-kill shelter doesn’t euthanize animals to make space for others – instead, it provides animals with the best care possible for as long as they need until adoption takes place. The sanctuary receives no government funding and relies solely on community support to serve its mission.

With that in mind, the sanctuary’s 14th annual Bark and Wine fundraising event takes place Saturday, April 29 from 4-10 p.m. at the Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford.

“All proceeds will benefit the Ark and help us in serving our mission,” says Brooke Pond, assistant shelter manager.

This year’s event features a buffet style dinner from 5-7 p.m. provided by ABC Catering. Additionally, as the event name suggests, wine tasting is a featured activity with wines provided by Wine Shop At Home.

A wine toss game allows players to win the bottle they land on, with five tosses for $10 or 12 tosses for $20. If you land on multiple bottles, you can choose your favorite wine. The event will also have quarter buckets ($0.25 tickets for raffle items), plus a silent auction with prizes such as an overnight stay at Bally’s Casino in Rock Island and a wine tasting for 10 people at Artale & Co. In addition to enjoying a fun eve- ning, Bark and Wine attendees can feel good knowing their money is going to a good cause, Pond adds.

“We are passionate about the work that we do because we are able to provide love and care for animals while they are waiting for their forever homes,” she says.

Tickets to Bark and Wine cost $45 for singles, $85 for couples and $330 for a table of eight. Attendees can purchase tickets at noahsarkanimals.org or in person at 111 N. First St., Rockford.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations that would like to support the event. Interested sponsors can call (815) 962-2767 for more information.

“We greatly appreciate all of the continuous support from our community,” Pond says. ❚

Discovery Town

Through May 29, Tues.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A make-believe kid-sized city where children play as they learn about the people and places that make up a community. Each stop provides opportunities for role playing, problem solving and creative exploration. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Secret Life of Butterflies

Through June 4, Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Get an up-close look at native and exotic butterflies and moths. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.

‘Urinetown – The Musical’

April 27-30, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. This hilarious award-winning musical satire puts the spotlight on the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, municipal politics and musical theater. Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

The Great War: World War I

April 29-30, Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring dozens of re-enactors portray-