We’re excited to announce that AWCC recently received $3,000 towards our new Animal Kitchen project! Our organization was awarded these funds from the Alaska Tourism Shark Tank.
The Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) held its 5th Annual Alaska Tourism Shark Tank competition on October 7th, 2020. This year’s convention was held virtually with contestants tuning in via Zoom. Ten entrepreneurs from across Alaska were invited to pitch ideas for their company to five Alaska tourism “Sharks”. Winners were awarded cash prizes that would go towards fulfilling these projects for their business.
In addition to AWCC, other Shark-selected winners were: Denali Hostel & Cabins (Denali National Park); Alaska Friends (Anchorage); Juneau Food Tours (Juneau).
Viewers selected AWCC as the “fan favorite” and awarded our nonprofit $3,000 for our new animal food kitchen project. The AWCC’s new animal kitchen will provide an expanded staging area for our Animal Care staff to prepare food, enrichment, and bottles for our rescued wildlife. This space will also serve as an office area and storage area for safety and sanitation supplies. Awarded funds were courtesy of sponsor Alaska Railroad.
Other participating businesses included: The Alaska Experience Company, Denali Photo Guides, ExhibitAK, Go Hike Alaska, Salmonberry Tours, and Chugach Adventures.
The panel of Alaska tourism “Sharks” included: Scott Habberstad (Alaska Airlines), Dale Wade (Alaska Railroad Corporation), Jay Blury (GCI), Tom Stark (Wells Fargo), and Ral West (representing the Chuck West Family).
Alaska Airlines, Alaska Railroad Corporation, GCI, Wells Fargo, and the family of Chuck West, founder of Cruise West and Westours, sponsored this year’s Alaska Tourism Shark Tank. The AWCC is grateful for this award and are excited to be one step closer to making our new animal kitchen a reality!