Heartache was eased for Don and Jane Veltkamp on Sunday as a fundraiser for Birds of Prey Northwest brought in more than $20,000.

“The outpouring and generosity of the community was overwhelming,” said BOPN Founder Jane Veltkamp. “It lets us know it's worthwhile to keep doing what we’re doing.” 

The 32-year-old nonprofit’s center of operations headquarters in St. Maries sustained serious damage in the recent windstorm. Eight aviaries were hit by falling ponderosa pines and must be rebuilt or repaired, while the Veltkamps' house was also struck.

The Veltkamps were not home at the time and were not hurt, but Jane Veltkamp said returning things to normal is expected to take months and costs are still being tabulated. 

Several birds fled during the storm and have not returned.  

“It was devastating to see,” Jane Veltkamp said. 

They are not alone as they rebuild, as volunteers and others have helped with site cleanup.

About 150 people came to The Coeur d'Alene Resort for a silent auction and raptor shows, where Jane and Don displayed and highlighted stories of the type of birds they help, including a golden eagle, a peregrine falcon and a great grey owl. All are considered educational birds because disabilities prevent them from surviving on their own. 

A captive crowd was pleased.

“You always learn something new,” said Doyle King. “The birds are always stunning up close.”

The event raised about $20,000. The Resort donated the space.

One man celebrating his birthday donated several thousand dollars. Another person gave Veltkamp $500 for three signed copies of her book, “Beauty and the Beak.” Hundreds of dollars were bid on artwork and gift baskets. Many gave cash. A GoFundMe account has raised nearly $11,000. 

Heather Mallory said she has been volunteering at Birds of Prey Northwest since touring the site last summer. 

“I fell in love with all the birds,” she said. “Not every day do people get to go out there and do what I get to do.” 

Mallory said BOPN is all about rehabilitating injured birds of prey and educating people about why they matter, and she wants to support that effort. 

“Whatever I have to do to keep what they're doing going, that’s what I’m going to do,” she said. 

Sharon Grunwald, a longtime donor to BOPN, attended Sunday’s event. She came away impressed.

“I share their mission and passion,” she said. 

Birds of Prey Northwest is described as a place of “refuge, healing and education” for injured and recovering raptors as they are readied to return to the wild. The Veltkamps have helped hundreds of birds recover from being shot, poisoned and hit by vehicles. 

Jane Veltkamp said it was wonderful to see so many support them. It provides the encouragement to keep pushing ahead even in the tough times like this one.

“It takes a community to do this,” she said.  

    Don Veltkamp holds a peregrine falcon during a Birds of Prey Northwest program on Sunday at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.