By Robson Reyes | Humane Society of Pagosa Springs
For a third consecutive year, the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs (HSPS) will host its annual fundraiser, the 28th annual Auction for the Animals, virtual and online so that supporters can participate from the comfort of their homes, from anywhere in the world. Access is easy.
On Monday, June 20, the auction went live. To preview items and bid, simply log on to www.hspsauction.org to browse more than 400 auction items and bid on your favorites, all in support of our community’s only animal shelter.
HSPS has canceled its live portion of the Auction for the Animals event as a result of the recent rapid increase in COVID cases and the uncertainty in the economy.
“We are disappointed that we cannot host a live event again this year, but we are excited that this year will be our biggest online auction ever. With the costs of goods and services so high these days, hosting our event online means more funds from our auction can go directly towards the care of our animals, rather than towards hosting an extravagant in-person event,” said Robson Reyes, executive director of HSPS. “Also, we have a lot of out-of-towners and second homeowners who adopt animals from our shelter and shop at our thrift store, so hosting an online auction gives both local and non-local supporters the opportunity to participate virtually and bid on auction items to support our cause, even if they can’t be here in person.”
This year’s virtual auction will have more items to bid on than ever and will run for two full weeks, ending at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5.
Back by popular demand will be the third annual Pet Fashion Show, where animals in creative costumes will strut their stuff on the virtual red carpet in support of HSPS.
There are prizes at stake for best dressed, and viewers can vote for their favorite pets and costumes for the duration of the auction through July 5. Prizes will go to the top three vote recipients. Votes are just $1 each and all money raised goes to support the shelter animals. You can watch the Pet Fashion Show as many times as you’d like by visiting www.hspsauction.org.
The Auction for the Animals is the Humane Society’s most important annual fundraiser. HSPS is not immune to the current, ever-changing economic times, which is why it needs your support now more than ever. The success of the auction makes a huge difference in the organization’s ability to provide nutritious food, safe shelter and quality medical care that every lost, abandoned and homeless animal needs and deserves.
This year more than ever, the success of the auction will help HSPS continue to provide a safe haven to nearly 700 animals that will call the shelter home, at least until a family and a forever home can be found.
This year, HSPS will host its biggest online auction ever. With more than 400 items, the auction is loaded with a variety of items and there’s bound to be something to appeal to just about everyone. From pet supplies to outdoor gear, baby items to art and décor, jewelry, clothing and tons of gift baskets and gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses, this is a great opportunity to do some shopping for yourself, friends and family — all for a good cause.
Bidding on auction items isn’t the only way to help the shelter animals. You can make donations to help buy animal food, assist with funds needed for spay and neuter surgeries, help cover the cost of emergency veterinary care and so much more. You can also make general donations that will be used wherever the need is greatest. Any donation, no matter the amount, will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the animals that come into the shelter’s care. To bid on an auction item or to make an outright donation, visit www.hspsauction.org and follow the user-friendly prompts.
HSPS would like to say a special thank you to everyone who has already helped make this year’s virtual Auction for the Animals a great success.
Reyes said, “To everyone who has tirelessly volunteered their time and energy towards event preparation, we appreciate you. To all of our sponsors who have generously given a donation to help cover the cost of things like our virtual event platform, tech support, marketing and advertising, and more, we cannot thank you enough.”
For the last two years, HSPS has hosted its auction event online with great success and looks forward to another successful online auction again this year. Start previewing items and bidding on your favorites now by visiting www.hspsauction.org. Don’t forget the auction ends promptly at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5.
HSPS is a local, private nonprofit organization that operates the only animal shelter in Archuleta County. Your local humane society does not receive funding from the Humane Society of the United States, American Humane, ASPCA or any other national animal welfare organizations. Private donations, grants, and thrift store revenues cover only a portion of animal shelter operating expenses. The remainder of shelter costs must be met through fundraising events like the Virtual Auction for the Animals. HSPS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
