IRCF support of NRBE auction benefiting the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard

Message from John Binns, our IRCF president, with regards to the NRBE Guatemalan Beaded Lizard auction. The auction flyer is located at http://www.ircf.org/projectheloderma/auction.html from which you can download a PDF.

If you will be in Daytona, we will also be seeking volunteers to help gather items for the auction thay day, as well as manage the auction in the evening. There is a "Volunteers Needed" link at http://www.ircf.org/projectheloderma/auction.html

Please feel free to distribute this information.

Thanks!
des.

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Greetings,

Last year, the IRCF sponsored the National Reptile Breeder’s Expo auction to benefit the West Indian Rock Iguanas. The auction was a huge success and generated over $20,000 to help fund critical conservation work to assist the San Salvador Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi rileyi), Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura collei), Anegada Iguana (Cyclura pinguis), and the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi).

Last year’s auction success is credited to the generosity of donors and vendors who gave willingly, the many volunteers who contributed long hours in managing the auctions activities, and Wayne Hill for hosting the event.

This year, the IRCF is teaming up with Zoo Atlanta to sponsor the NRBE auction to benefit the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard. Fewer than 200 of these critically endangered animals remain in the unique dry forest habitat of the Motagua Valley in Guatemala.

Saving this species is within our reach, but the window of opportunity is closing rapidly.

Recovery efforts are being conducted through a partnership called Project Heloderma, headed by Zootropic, a Guatemalan NGO working in unison with NGO Defensores de la Naturaleza Foundation (Defenders of Nature), whose primary focus is the conservation of the Motagua Valley. Other partners include the Guatemalan government’s National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), Zoo Atlanta, the IRCF, San Diego Zoo, and Dan Beck, Central Washington University. Other organizations are expected to join this effort.

Detailed information about Project Heloderma can be found at the following web address: http://www.IRCF.org/projectheloderma

We are seeking your help and support to save the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard. Please consider the following ways to contribute:

1. Benefit Auction: Donate items for the auction (August 19th 2006). All donations are U.S. tax deductible. What can I donate? Just about anything, Crafts, Artwork, Books, Reptile Supplies, Services, Professional Services, Passes, Vacations Packages, Equipment, Appliances, Apparel, Field Equipment and electronics, Old Cars, you name it. To donate, simply go to: http://www.ircf.org/projectheloderma/auction2.html

2. Participate in our online Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Donor Program, and receive your Certificate of Appreciation, Guatemalan Beaded Lizard photograph, and, depending on your level of contribution, a gift of appreciation. For information please visit: http://www.ircf.org/projectheloderma/help.html

3. Financial Donors or Sponsorship, at any scale, corporate or private, local or international. Please contact Sandy at: SB@ircf.org

If you would prefer to handle your contribution at a personal level, please contact Sandy at SB@ircf.org -or- call toll-free 877-472-3674 for assistance.

Project Heloderma thanks you in advance for any consideration and assistance you can provide.

Sincerely,

John

PS. Please feel free to distribute this mailing.

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John F. Binns, CEO
International Reptile Conservation Foundation, Inc.
3010 Magnum Drive, San Jose, CA 95135 USA
www.IRCF.org

The International Reptile Conservation Foundation works to conserve reptiles and the natural habitats and ecosystems that support them.