A zombie army will recruit a new member this weekend in Springfield Township.
The chance to act in a walk on role as zombie in a motion picture typifies the exciting and sometimes outlandish items auctioned off at the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy’s annual ‘Wild Night Out.?
This year’s auction starts at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the new Environmental Discovery Center in Indian Springs Metropark.
The evening features live and silent auctions, a buffet dinner, Martini bar, cash bar and the presentation of the prestigious ‘Blue Heron Award? to Tom and Loraine Hall.
‘Our theme is to offer uniquely wild items and opportunities? we try to stick with pursuits that involve the great outdoors,? said auction chair Sue Topping.
Proceeds from the event go to operating expenses for the NOHLC.
‘It’s doing something to help all of us. It’s not based on different people’s needs, it benefits everyone,? said Topping.
‘We try to embrace the reasons for preserving open space,? she continued.
This year marks the first time in the event’s five year history it has been held in Springfield Township, said Topping. ‘We try to move the location to keep it fresh. We chose the location this year because the Discovery Center is new and we haven’t had an auction in Springfield Township yet.?
Keeping with the goals of offering unique objects, the night’s auction is filled with a wide range of artwork, decorative items, recreational opportunities and nature experiences. Topping singled out a dinner party for six in an authentic thatched cottage hosted by costumed servers, four VIP credentials with pit access to Grand Am races in Watkins Glen and the walk on role in a ‘Zombie Army? in an upcoming horror film with Crossbow 5 Entertainment as special to this year.
Some of the other items include: a week use of a cabin in Vermont, a trip aboard the ‘Polar Express? from the popular children’s book and movie, a Lake St. Clair cruise, a pheasant hunt in Mt. Pleasant, a wintry evening selecting a Christmas tree, a five night stay for two in Belize, one week at a private game reserve in South Africa’s Zululand conservation region and framed original watercolor paintings created by Alexander Pope, Jr.
‘I think enthusiasm builds every year because we try to gather different things,? said Topping.
In addition to the fund-raising, the evening will recognize the Halls commitment to preservation. The Halls have donated over 10 acres of their land to protect it from development. Topping said the Halls exemplify the message NOHLC wants to send and were very deserving of the ‘Blue Heron Award.?
‘They just embody the spirit of stewardship, and by that I mean, land doesn’t belong to you. You’re taking care of it while you’re on earth. They want to ensure their land serves its purpose for the planet? they’re remarkable in that respect,? said Topping.
A tour of the brand new Discovery Center, featuring the Living Pond, is included and the public is welcome. The night costs $85 per person.
For more information about the conservancy, call 248-846-6547. A list of items can be found at www.nohlc.org.