The seventh annual Enchanted Gala, “Whiskers on the River,” Feb. 16 at the Wonder Gardens raised $468,000, a new record for the annual fundraising event. All money raised at the gala will be used for enhancements to the garden, including building a new Animal Care Center, with groundbreaking expected this summer. Neil Anderson, President and CEO of the Wonder Gardens, unveiled conceptual drawings and initial plans for a strategic masterplan for the 86-year-old attraction, which will be shared publicly in the next couple of months. A live fund-a-need auction called for donations to kick off the plan, raising more than $455,000. This amount, combined with $165,000 raised during the 2022 event, will ensure construction of the Wonder Gardens’ new Animal Care Center.