ARC to host Purses for Pooches event
Animal lovers can help saves the lives of shelter animals in style.
The Animal Refuge Center, at 18011 Old Bayshore Road, will host its first-ever Purses for Pooches event on Saturday, Jan. 24, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Bell Tower Shops in South Fort Myers.
Tickets, which are $40, include lunch, a silent auction, purse fashion show, live auction, giveaways, and more.
Tina Hager, ARC spokesperson, said the idea came up during a board meeting as a way to have more fundraising opportunities throughout the year.
“It’s a way for the community to be a little more involved with us and come out to support us,” Hager said.
Initial response for donated purses has been fabulous. More than two dozen purses have been donated to the refuge center alone, and many of those purses will be filled with gift certificates, Hager said.
“Michael Cors and Coach (bags) have been donated to us. Real good brands,” Hager said.
Many of the purses up for bids can be seen on ARC’s Facebook page.
Stephanie Summers from the Fox 4 Morning Blend Show, where ARC appears monthly to promote pet adoptions, will host and all proceeds from the event will benefit Animal Refuge Center in its effort to provide shelter and medical care for needy cats and dogs until they find permanent homes.
“We’ve done a lot of events at the Bell Tower. It’s centrally located so we hope to get a lot of people to come out on a Saturday,” Hager said. “We hope to get a great turnout there.
Event sponsorships are still available. A whole table sponsorship is $400, a shared sponsorship is $200. Among those already sponsoring a table are Bonney Leckie Century 21 Selling Paradise, and Heather Erickson.
For more information on sponsorships and to purchase tickets, contact Betty Hughes at 841-0810.