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Sep
23

Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Conservation Dinner at The Willcox in Aiken

Day of the Week: Wednesday

Event Date: September 23, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: The Wilcox- 100 Colleton Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801

Ticket sales close Sept. 15th or when all tickets are sold!

Join the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at The Willcox in Aiken from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for a five-course, wine-paired conservation dinner featuring dishes inspired by imperiled bird species created by Executive Chef Philip Friesen.

 

This year’s featured species include the common loon, purple gallinule, indigo bunting, scissor-tailed flycatcher, blue jay, and of course, the roseate spoonbill, whose conservation story inspired this dinner series. As each course is served, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager Jay Keck will share information about each species and the conservation efforts needed to help them thrive.

 

This convivial evening will not disappoint! Purchase your tickets early to ensure that you can join us for this deliciously informative conservation dinner. All funds raised will benefit conservation and education programs at SCWF. Vegetarian option available.

Menu

Inspired by the roseate spoonbill

A floral and light cocktail with a beautiful pink hue and subtle botanical flavors

 

Inspired by the scissor-tailed flycatcher

Creamy cauliflower velouté, basil oil, aged Asiago

Inspired by the indigo bunting

Arugula salad, blueberries, pickled beets, slivered almonds, blueberry vinaigrette

Inspired by the purple gallinule

Seared scallop, truffled pea puree, chili oil, micro chard & amaranth

Inspired by the common loon

Parmesan-encrusted steelhead trout, orange beurre blanc, grilled broccolini, charred lemon

Inspired by the blue jay

Compressed pear, mascarpone hazelnut mousse, hazelnut praline

Make a night of it! Group rate hotel rooms are available at special pricing of $252 for deluxe rooms. Instructions for booking will be included in your purchase acknowledgment email. 

Presenting Sponsors

Philanthropic Sponsorships

Please consider choosing a sponsorship to further support our mission!

For company sponsorships, you’ll receive two dinner tickets at the $525 level, or four tickets at the $1,050 level, and we’ll include your logo on all of this event’s marketing materials sent out to our 45,000+ supporters and followers, press releases, website, and on the printed menu. 

For SCWF Friend sponsorships, you’ll receive two dinner tickets at the $325 level, or four tickets at the $650 level, and will be recognized by name on the same formats. 

 

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us increase our impact for local wildlife. 

FKS dinner refund policy: 90% of ticket price will be refunded for cancellations requested more than one week prior to the event. All refund requests must be made in writing or by email to mail@scwf.org.

Featured image: Gathered Around the Plate by Liz List.

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