Online Auction at www.CharityBuzz.com/WildAid Highlights WildAid's Wildlife Conservation Efforts In Conjunction With First Annual Gala

SAN FRANCISCO, April 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- WildAid's First Annual Gala will be held Thursday, May 5, 2011 in the Julie Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange Building in San Francisco. They will be honoring NBA All-Star Yao Ming, Monterey Bay Aquarium founder Julie Packard and Planet Heritage Fund, Inc.'s founder Addison Fischer. All the funds raised in conjunction with the Gala will go directly to supporting WildAid's programs.

An innovative part of their fundraising effort is an extensive online auction. With bidding starting April 28, http://www.CharityBuzz.com/Wildaid offers extraordinary experiences, incredible adventures, breathtaking art, and luxury indulgences. Participants are encouraged to explore their dreams until bidding closes May 19 by bidding on an impressive array of items in all price ranges.

Sampling of Auction Items

Snorkel with WildAid's Executive Director Peter Knights through the Whale Shark Sanctuary in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Travel to India for a 14-day Luxury Adventure, staying at Oberoi Hotels in Resorts in Mumbai/Delhi, Jaipur and Ranthambore and experiencing the world-famous Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. With six different African safaris, you can choose between South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Uganda.

Take sailing or surfing lessons, raft the Colorado River or do a sleepover at the Monterey Bay Aquarium with your family. Packages are available for experiences all over the US and in select wildlife refuges around the world. Many renowned photographers donated original photographs, such as Peter Lindbergh, Nick Brandt and Zoriah Miller. There are also many opportunities to spoil yourself with rejuvenating day spas, decorating your home, and improving your health.

For the culinary lover, bid on a San Francisco Bacchanalia for 10 with Robert Mondavi Jr. as your personal sommelier and Tyler Florence as your executive chef. If you're in Hong Kong, enjoy dinner at the luxurious and exclusive Kee Club or in Padua, Italy dinner at Le Calandre. Whatever your taste, there is something to savor.

WildAid's mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes by reducing demand through public awareness campaigns and providing comprehensive marine protection. For more information, please go to http://www.WildAid.org and visit http://www.CharityBuzz.com/Wildaid to show your support.

Follow WildAid on Twitter: http://Twitter.com/WildAid

SOURCE WildAid