Solstice and the end of the world

Well, it is the end of the Hallowe'en tour for 2012:  the auction is finally all finished and I can finally close and lock the gates.  Timing is everything and it so happens that Bat World Sanctuary is again in the running for a prize on the Modzilla Firefox Challenge!  I checked with the President, Amanda Lollar, if I could "send in" the auction money by way of the Challenge and she said "YES!" and so you can see a $250 donation on the site!  Thank you again to everyone who participated in the auction! 
  Right now Bat World is in 4th place and the charities in 2nd and 3rd are just a wee bit ahead!  Please consider donating, even $10 can make a BIG difference (and if you type LUCY in the comment field a generous bat supporter will match your donation!).  Click here http://www.crowdrise.com/BatWorldSanctuary2012 and follow the instructions, it's very easy and you can set the "fee" at $0. 

Going, going...! Our 2012 auction items

These three glorious photos are close-ups of the three auction items my sister Doris created and is donating to our tour!  ALL of the proceeds will be going to Bat World Sanctuary, so bid and win not only a lovely hand-knitted accessory but also give a gift to the bats!!  What could be better?

(There are also 3 hand-knit bat dish towels, a soft sculpture rat by Diana Ussery, a unicorn and faery pair by Sarah Forrest and other treats that will be auctioned off!)

Your turn!

Dear Hallowe'en Artists,
  It's been a real treat getting to "meet" all of the new artists who have joined our Online Hallowe'en Artists' Studio Trick or Treat and hearing encouraging words from artists who have signed on for a 2nd, 3rd or even 4th year! Your enthusiasm means a lot to me, thank you!

  Please note that your donation of $28 is due June 15th... I know, I know I hate this part too but this is how we help save bats! So please send in your $28 to either Bat World Sanctuary or Bat Conservation International. Remember that your placement on the trick or treat map is set when I receive word that you've paid, so why delay? Besides, the only part about hosting this tour that I realy, really dislike is having to remind you to pay, so please get it over with! If you need to review the guidelines, please see http://www.scratchingatthewindow.com/trick_or_treat/for_artists.htm.

  And if you do it now you can help either charity win $25 000! Yes, there's a contest ending May 14th and both Bat World and BCI are in the running for the three prices! Would it not be amazing if your donation helped them win? Imagine what $25 000 means to these organizations, and the bats they help!

  So please use http://www.crowdrise.com/batworldearthdaychallenge  to select Bat World or http://www.crowdrise.com/BatConservationInternational  to help Bat Conservation International and simply forward to me the e-receipt so I can mark you off as paid!

  If you haven't yet joined the tour but would like to, please email me and I'll answer any questions you may have.

           Boo to you!

Why join us?

This is what we're all about: working together to save bats! This includes individuals who can't survive in the wild, like the adorable Lil' Drac at Bat World Sanctuary...

...and species, like the Little Brown Bat, that are being wiped out by White Nose Syndrome. This image appeared in Bat Conservation International's "Bats" magazine.

Bat World Sanctuary joins the tour!

I am grinning like a Jack o'lantern with happiness! I invited Bat World Sanctuary and they have jumped onto our haunted hayride and will be sharing with Bat Conservation International the privilege of being our honored bat conservation charities! All participating artists can now choose to give their participation fee to either Bat World or BCI, while both groups will help to advertise our tour. It's a win-win arrangement, as the additional advertising will generate additional sales which will create more donations, as many artists give part of their earnings to the bats. 2012 is looking very bright!