By Siri Schuchardt
Special to The PREVIEW
On Aug. 23, the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs will host its 19th annual Auction for the Animals fund-raiser.
It will be a fabulous evening of hors d’oeuvres, fine wine and micro-brewery bottled beer, and a chance to walk away with fabulous items from the live and silent auctions and brown bag raffle.
This wonderful community event is the Humane Society’s largest and most important fund-raising endeavor of the year, so mark your calendar now to attend this fun evening.
The Auction for the Animals is a popular and well supported annual event. Attendees can bid on items donated by local merchants, businesses, professionals, private individuals, authors, celebrities and sports stars from all around the country. There will also be six fabulous vacations up for bid this year.
Advance tickets will remain at $25 for the eighth consecutive year.
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs is a private non-profit organization that operates the only animal shelter facility in our county. The society had a modest beginning in 1984 with the donation of a single gold coin and a benefit concert by singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg to help build the original shelter. We have come a long way since that time, having moved into a new and larger animal shelter in 2007, and continue to hold fund-raisers to support the important work of the organization. Your local humane society does not receive funding from the Humane Society of the United States, American Humane or any other national animal welfare organization, and the proceeds from your auction purchases stay here in Pagosa. Private donations, grants, and thrift store revenues cover only part of the operating expenses. The remainder of the budget must be met through fund-raising events like the Auction for the Animals.
The Auction for the Animals is the key Humane Society fund-raiser each year and auction items are currently being solicited. Some examples of available auction items include gift certificates for products or services, gift baskets, art and antiques, pet supplies and toys, restaurant meals, lodging, rafting, golfing — there is virtually no end to the list. The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and auction donations are tax deductible. To make an auction donation, please contact the administrative office at the number listed below.
The funds raised through the Auction for the Animals go directly to benefit the homeless dogs and cats in our community. Board members and volunteers donate their time and talents to handle all fund-raising efforts by the organization and new volunteers are always welcome.
For more information, contact the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs administrative office at 264-5549.
