Celebrating Conservation, Community, and a Shared Commitment to Wildlife
On June 12, supporters of Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation gathered for “A Wild Evening“, an unforgettable night dedicated to one purpose: creating a brighter future for some of the world’s most endangered wildlife.
The evening brought together conservationists, animal lovers, community leaders, and generous supporters who all share a belief that meaningful conservation begins with people who are willing to make a difference.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere reflected both celebration and purpose. Every conversation, every auction bid, and every donation represented a commitment to protecting wildlife for generations to come.
An Inspiring Keynote from Joel Sartore
One of the highlights of the evening was an extraordi nary keynote presentation by renowned photographer, conservationist, and founder of the Photo Ark, Joel Sartore.
Through breathtaking imagery and powerful storytelling, Joel reminded us why every species matters. His passion for documenting Earth’s incredible biodiversity—and the urgency of protecting it—left our guests inspired and reaffirmed the importance of conservation partnerships around the globe.
His message perfectly captured the spirit of the evening: when people connect with wildlife, they become its greatest advocates.
An Evening Filled with Heart—and Humor
We were equally honored to have bestselling author and conservation advocate Bradley Trevor Greive serve as our host for the evening.
Bradley’s warmth, wit, and heartfelt passion for wildlife created an unforgettable experience for our guests. His ability to weave humor with meaningful conservation messaging kept the evening engaging while reminding us why our work matters.
Conservation at the Heart of Every Dollar Raised
The true success of “A Wild Evening” wasn’t measured simply by attendance or auction bids—it was measured by the impact we will make together.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our guests, sponsors, donors, and volunteers, the evening netted just over $200,000 in support of wildlife conservation.
Proceeds from the event will benefit both the International Rhino Foundation, helping protect one of the world’s most threatened species, as well as the Longneck Manor Legacy Campaign, which is creating a lasting future for conservation education, exceptional animal care, and expanded wildlife conservation initiatives.
Every dollar raised moves us one step closer to ensuring that future generations will continue to experience—and protect—the incredible species that inspire us every day.
Live and Silent Auction
Together, the live and silent auctions raised approximately $75,000 with direct donations to the International Rhino Foundation, demonstrating just how powerful a community can be when it comes together for wildlife. We are deeply grateful to every donor who contributed an item and every guest who enthusiastically participated.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Events like “A Wild Evening” simply would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors.
Their support allows us to expand our conservation impact, inspire future wildlife advocates, and continue building programs that benefit endangered species both here and around the world. We extend our sincere gratitude to each of our sponsors for believing in our mission and helping make this evening such a remarkable success.
Michelle Bianchi and Mark Wilde
Mary Ann Wilde
The SSA Group
DR Welding
Rhinory
Lea Rogers, Architect
Fauna Research
Nashville Zoo
MLA Engineering
Annie and Bob Graham
Ellen and Stavley Wright
Alice and Byron Scarborough
Kevin Bell and Danielle Russell
Monica and Fox Benton
Amanda and Robert Brock
Classic Escapes
Lori Rhodes and Carlton Crouch
Ben Jones
Joy and Ben Culpepper
To Our Guests: Thank You
To every guest who attended, donated, bid, volunteered, and supported “A Wild Evening”—thank you. Your generosity extends far beyond one evening. Your support helps protect endangered wildlife, advances conservation education, and inspires future generations to care for our natural world. Together, we are proving that meaningful change happens when passionate people come together with a common purpose.
Looking Ahead
As Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation continues to grow, so does our commitment to wildlife conservation around the world.
The success of “A Wild Evening” reminds us that conservation is never the work of one organization alone—it is the result of partnerships, generosity, and a community that believes wildlife is worth protecting.
From all of us at Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation, thank you for making A Wild Evening an overwhelming success.
We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together next.
Rick Barongi is the founder of Longneck Manor, an AZA-accredited wildlife conservation destination in Fredericksburg, Texas. With more than 50 years of leadership in zoos and wildlife conservation—including executive roles at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Houston Zoo, and the San Diego Zoo—he is a recognized leader in animal well-being, conservation, and ethical wildlife tourism.
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