Animal Refuge Center to hold 31st annual Starlight Auction fundraiser on Nov. 29
After a record-breaking event in 2024, the Animal Refuge Center has announced that the 31st Annual Starlight Auction will be held Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa. The Starlight Auction is ARC’s signature event and main fundraiser for Southwest Florida’s largest no-kill shelter.
“We exceeded our goal last year of raising more than $300,000, and hope for the same kind of success this year,” said Board Vice President Rob Spicker. “Our sponsors, donors, and guests have generous hearts in support of our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome as many cats and dogs as possible. We are confident they will come through for us yet again.”
Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner and both a silent and live auction. The live auction features more than a dozen items that include jewelry, weekend getaways, and Caribbean vacations. A special item will allow guests an opportunity to double their donation with pledged matching funds. The silent auction will feature more than 100 baskets. Some are for cat owners and some for dog owners, others include golf outings, hotel stays, gift certificates and more.
The auction is also a time to celebrate the year’s success, and a highlight this year is an increase in adoptions. Through a partnership with Cattyshack Café at Gulf Coast Town Center, cat adoptions are up 72% in 2025 compared to 2024. Dog adoptions are up 47%.
Sponsorships are still available for businesses and individuals interested in supporting the Animal Refuge Center. They start at $500 and go up to $10,000. Individual tickets for the auction are on sale through animalrefugecenter.com for $125 per person and include admission to the live/silent auction, a complimentary cocktail, dinner, dessert, and coffee.