Amid fears that the snow and ice storm would keep guests safely at home, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program's 17th Annual Gala Dinner Auction broke records for attendance and amount raised, with more than 360 friends helping the organization raise more than $50,000 for RMRP's rehabilitation and education efforts.

"With the heavy snow and the down economy, we were very concerned," said RMRP Director Judy Scherpelz, "but the turnout and the amazing generosity showed us just how much people care about raptors and this program."

Event major sponsors were the Hilton, Auxilium Information Technology, Fort Fund and Anadarko Petroleum. Because of the heavy snow and icy roads, the Hilton offered guests a "ride the elevator home" package and greatly reduced the nightly room rate for RMRP's guests, many of whom took advantage of the offer.

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