ARC to host 16th Starlight Auction over Thanksgiving weekend
It has become a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for many, treating themselves and guests to a great event at a great site, while helping raise funds for one of the area’s largest animal charities.
The Animal Refuge Center (ARC) has hosted the Starlight Auction for the last 16 years, ARC Treasurer and Board Member Betty Hughes said. “We already have 200 attending, with room for more, and over 200 great auction items.”
The event is held at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, a place not only to attend the event, but also to stay and enjoy the amenities for a relaxing, end-of-Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
“Many always bring guests for a great time when the turkey has run out,” she said.
ARC is a not-for-profit animal welfare society that has found a magical formula in hosting the fund-raiser over Thanksgiving weekend year after year.
The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 27, at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa. The five-star hotel also offers special room rates strictly for ARC guests.
The theme this year is “The Night Sparkles While Orphaned Pets Shine.”
The auction is known for fabulous items, and more than 200 have already been donated.
“You check in at 6 p.m. and go to the auction, and can begin bidding immediately for silent auction items, and then there is a live auction,” she said.
Items this year include, as always, artwork by famous local artists, fine dining certificates, vacation get-a-ways, and more.
Board Member Sandra Thurman said the auction items are pouring in, and many have pet themes.
“We have a 18-carat white gold heart with a dog paw, pear-shaped with diamonds. We also have a dog bone in black and gold, a beautiful necklace. There are trips, dinner certificates, a Persian rug and even a James Dean limited print, signed. We are really pleased with the auction donated items,” she said.
Despite the economy, pet lovers have come out in big numbers to support the event this year.
“I’m very excited,” Thurman said. “Our sponsorship level is within a small amount of reaching our previous highest goals.”
Volunteers have been doing double time to prepare for the event.
“People have worked hard on this event since March,” she said.
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa is a long-standing location for the event. The resort is located in Fort Myers, right before the Sanibel Bridge.
“It is a five-star atmosphere right on the Gulf, the gateway to the island,” Hughes said.
Incorporated in 1988, ARC is dedicated to caring for homeless animals brought to its 22-acre sanctuary in North Fort Myers. The sanctuary houses a Welcome Center, 12 feline facilities and 29 canine lodges, and is home to more than 500 cats and dogs.
Tickets are $75.
The resort is offering a room rate special. To get the rate, you must call direct at (888) 896-1959 and say you are calling for room reservations at the special Animal Refuge Center room rate. It is located at 17260 Harbour Point Drive, Fort Myers.
Tickets can be purchased by calling Hughes at 841-0810 or by e-mailing bettyhughes@comcast.net.