By JON HARRISON/ Staff Writer

The Alabama Wildlife Center will be hosting its annual Valentine’s Day themed fundraiser “Wild about Chocolate” on Saturday Feb. 15, at the Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham.

“It is a Valentine’s themed gala,” said Doug Adair, executive director at the Alabama Wildlife Center. “It will be a great evening of food, fun and fellowship.”

The event revolves around the classic Valentine’s Day treat, chocolate.

“It is our premier fundraising event” said Adair. “And has become one of the big Valentines Day events on the Birmingham Social Scene.”

Adair said a number of beverages will be available, savory appetizers and of course “decadent chocolate in many forms.”

The event will be catered by local businesses such as Avo and Dram, Jackson’s Bar and Bistro and Ashley Mac’s. The event has also included catering from Good People Brewing Company and International Wines in the past.

“We are very excited that the event will also feature the Alabama Wildlife Center’s newest educational ambassador,” said Adair. “A magnificent, rehabilitated great horned owl.”

The event will be emceed by ABC 33/40 news anchor Brenda Ladun, and local auctioneer Van Pearson will host a live auction.

Local Birmingham band The Bluegrass Troubadours will be providing live Americana style music for the event.

Sponsorships for the event are available at three different levels: The Coosa level, named after the wildlife center’s barred owl, the Natchez level, named after their Mississippi Kite and the Legacy level, named for their American Kestrel.

Tables are available to purchase for attendees and individual tickets are available for $75 in advance and $100 at the door.

“The Alabama Wildlife Center is Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center,” said Adair. “We depend on fundraisers like Wild about Chocolate and the folks who support and believe in what we do to allow us to keep going.”

The Harbert Center is located on 2019 Fourth Ave. N. #100 in Birmingham, Ala.