Martin Aveling's print of a snow leopard cub being auctioned to raise funds for conservation at AHF dinner. Photo by Sami Hisheh.
Last Friday the Australian Himalayan Foundation had its annual dinner here in Melbourne. It was an enjoyable dinner and about 350 people came together to celebrate their love of the Himalayas, its people, its culture and its wildlife. “Saving Snow Leopards” website donated a limited edition print of a snow leopard cub by well known British wildlife artist, Martin Aveling, and I’m happy to report it was successfully auctioned for $1500. Bidding started at $200 and quickly spread around the room until the fabulous sum of $1500 was reached. The successful bidder was Michael Eger, thanks Michael for your generosity in supporting snow leopard conservation.
Successful bidder, Michael Eger, with Sibylle Noras, publisher of "Saving Snow Leopards" website. Photo by Sami Hisheh.
The $1500 will go a long way in Nepal, towards a snow leopard conservation project in collaboration with the US -based Snow Leopard Conservancy.
AHF president, Peter Hillary, spoke about the school and health projects they support in the mountains of Nepal and northern India. He also commemorated Alfred Gregory, the Everest Expedition photographer, who supported the AHF and died in his 90’s earlier this year. Guest speaker, Li CunXin, spoke about his life, his book and the film “Mao’s last dancer”. Li is a truly inspirational speaker and his determination and ambition to break through his life of poverty in Mao’s China to become one of the world’s most celebrated ballet dancers is remarkable.
To help the Australian Himalayan Foundation support children and villagers in poor and remote communities check out their website.
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That’s really fantastic Sibylle. I’m thrilled it raised so much!
Sounds as though it was a wonderful evening, Sibylle.