A long time ago (1991, to be exact), in a county not so far away (Placer)…Gold Country Wildlife Rescue began a mission to care for the orphaned and injured wildlife of our region.
For years, our founder, Sallysue Stein, led the charge, providing round-the-clock care for fawns until 2000. With Sallysue moving out of the country, GCWR continued that care through 2010, when a local specialty group took over that role. But, in a sudden “plot twist” in 2023, that group closed its doors unexpectedly! Since then, the responsibility for long-term care has shifted to our partners at Sierra Wildlife Rescue (SWR), placing an enormous burden on them.
But now, the "Rebellion" against the status quo begins. It’s time for the Return of the Fawns.
Starting this year, 2026, GCWR is returning to its roots. We are no longer just an intake and stabilization station for fawns; we will be keeping Placer and Nevada County fawns for long-term care, raising them from their first bottle to their final release.
The Mission: Our $82,500 Goal
We have the space and the expertise, but we need to build the infrastructure. To care for the 80+ fawns we expect this year, we must raise $82,500 for specialized rehabilitation enclosures and care.
Your support will fund:
- Professional Site Prep: Essential dirtwork to prepare our 15-acre build site.
- Solar “Shields”: Solar-powered predator-proofing and high-security fencing to keep fawns safe.
- Stealth Mode: Visual barriers and “blind” feeding stations so fawns stay wild and don’t imprint on humans.
- Life Support: Specialized formula, medications, and kitchen supplies for multiple daily milk feedings.
⚡ Use the Force: A $40,000 Matching Gift!
A mysterious ally has stepped forward with a $40,000 Force Multiplier! This means the first $40,000 donated will be doubled. Your $50 gift grows to $100; your $500 gift becomes $1,000. Your support is the spark that ensures the return of our fawns.
A special salute to our mysterious benefactor for doubling your impact and leading the charge for Project 1991.
What if we exceed our goal? If your generosity takes us beyond $80,000, those funds will support the thousands of other patients we will care for this year – from bears and foxes to hawks and hummingbirds – ensuring every animal receives the highest standard of care we can offer.
Your support will help us return, full circle, to the vision that started GCWR 35 years ago. Help us keep our local orphaned and injured fawns in their home region while providing them rehabilitation for years to come.
May the FAWNS be with you!
