Animal Refuge Center Auction is a big success, Lights of Love annual event this week
A near sellout crowd of 250 animal lovers celebrated Animal Refuge Center achievements over the past year and raised over $120,000 for the North Fort Myers shelter.
The organizations biggest fund-raiser of the year, the 14th Annual Starlight Auction, was held at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa over Thanksgiving weekend and the tally of monies raised is now in.
“Overall we raised $122,000 in preliminary figures,” said board member and treasurer Betty Hughes. “In this particular economy, I think that’s outstanding.”
Hughes said attendees responded overwhelmingly to match an anonymous gift of $20,000 for the purpose of providing annual care for felines in need as well as the fund “Fido” for a new dog lodge.
“Dreams of continuing ARC’s special place of sanctuary in our community became a reality on this magical evening,” she continued.
“Words cannot adequately express our sincere appreciation for the support of our sponsors, area businesses and auction attendees for this incredible outpouring of generosity.”
The Patriotic Pets event offered guests over 200 items to bid on while they dined on fine culinary creations. Pre-event entertainment was provided by the lively dancers “The Calendar Girls.”
Items for live auction included works from prominent local artists like Darryl Pottorf, Nancy Colby and Butler Steltemeir, and wood carvings by Luke Andrews.
“It was a fabulous crowd, and we had Miss Bee, who was our poster dog, there healthy and in her glory. Her rehabilitation challenges were the most difficult of all our intakes this year,” Hughes said.
Hughes said Bee came to them as a puppy, and she had lived her puppyhood in a crate.
“She had no muscles, didn’t know how to walk,” she said. “It took five months to teach her to walk and build muscles.”
The happy ending for Bee?
“Jan and Jim Bishop adopted her,” Hughes said. “Jane’s a volunteer at ARC, and they also adopted Bee’s lodge mate and they are now named Bonnie and Clyde.”
They also over 40 volunteers for the event, more than they’ve ever had.
There will be another event this week for ARC, the annual Coconut Point Mall Lights of Love.
“It’s a tree lighting ceremony where we light trees in memory of pets no longer with us and in honor of pets that still are with us,” said Hughes.
Entertainment will be provided by Jim Morris. The event begins at 7 on Thursday, Dec. 11, in front of the Lakeside Shops. Coconut Point Mall is a sponsor.
Incorporated in 1988, ARC is a not-for-profit animal welfare society dedicated to caring for all homeless animals brought to its care at its 22-acre sanctuary in North Fort Myers. The sanctuary houses a Welcome Center, Canine Training Center, 12 feline facilities, 29 canine lodges and is home to more than 350 cats and 60 dogs.
For more information, visit www.AnimalRefuge.com or call 731-3535.
To go
Who: Animal Refuge Center
What: Annual Lights of Love tree lighting
Where: Coconut Point Mall, 3106 Fashion Drive, Estero
When: Thursday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Information: 731-3535