Coral Square Mall, Dadeland Mall, The Falls and The Shops at Sunset Place are part of 15 Simon Malls across the state of Florida opening their doors on Sat., July 24 and Sun. July 25 to raise awareness and funds to help birds, other wildlife and our Florida beaches that are being threatened by the Gulf oil spill. To benefit Florida Audubon, Simon Property Group’s “Gifts for the Gulf” will showcase displays of shorebirds nesting on beaches and offer shoppers important information about the wildlife affected by the oil spill crisis.
“Simon Property Group is proud to support Florida Audubon to raise awareness for our shorebirds and seabirds that are under potential threat from the Gulf oil spill,” said Lynnette Lauria, regional vice president of marketing, Florida, Simon Property Group. “We are thrilled that our malls will serve as a venue in support of this important effort as so many people want to help the many helpless creatures.”
Mall shoppers on July 24-25 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. will have the opportunity to learn about how certain birds nest on our beaches and are in harm’s way if clean-up operations are not carefully conducted. Florida Audubon leaders and volunteers will also share facts about a number of birds affected and offer tips on protecting wildlife and our beaches during this time.
A coloring station will be available for children who will receive complimentary coloring sheets of different birds. Special t-shirts will be on sale and monetary donations will be accepted to help support the goals of Florida Audubon’s “Gulf Oil Spill” response efforts, which are to rescue Florida’s coastal animals and assist in rehabilitating our birds and beaches.
At the same time area malls are educating shoppers, CBS4, WFOR-TV is doing its part by hosting a Neighbors 4 Neighbors phonebank during the 5-6:30 pm local news block at their studios on July 23. Station viewers will be encouraged to call the phonebank where they can speak to members of Florida Audubon and pledge their support for the Gifts for the Gulf effort. The station will also produce and air during the afternoon news a couple of special reports highlighting the work that is being done by Florida Audubon.
“Florida Audubon is focused on protecting birds and habitats during and after this disastrous oil spill,” said Eric Draper, Florida Audubon president. “Audubon connects people with nature so we can all join in the fight to keep the sand clean, the marshes and beaches alive, and our birds flying. We welcome Simon Malls as collaborators connecting their customers with the great cause of protecting our beautiful state and living beaches.”
Simon Property Group’s Gifts for the Gulf will also take place at Coconut Point Mall (Estero), DeSoto Square Mall (Bradenton), Edison Mall (Fort Myers), Florida Mall (Orlando), Gulfview Square Mall (Port Richey), Indian River Mall (Vero Beach), Melbourne Square Mall (Melbourne), Paddock Mall (Ocala), Seminole Town Center (Sanford), Treasure Coast Square (Jensen Beach) and Tyrone Square Mall (St. Petersburg).
For more information about Simon Property Group, please visit www.simon.com. For more information on how you can help Florida Audubon’s Gulf oil spill response, please visit www.audubonoffloridanews.org.