Gala to help humane society
Patty RamusFact Box
What: Huron Humane Society Anniversary Gala
When: March 27, cash bar and silent auction open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Holiday Inn
Area residents will have a chance to support the efforts of the Huron Humane Society next weekend during the annual Huron Humane Society Anniversary Gala.
The gala will take place March 27 at the Holiday Inn. The cash bar and silent auction will open at 5:30 p.m. followed by a prime rib buffet dinner at 7 p.m. In addition to prime rib, attendees will have a choice of chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, several salads and double chocolate cake.
According to Natalie Francis, humane society manager/director, the proceeds from the gala will support the society's operational costs which include payroll, veterinary care and animal supplies.
"This is our largest fundraiser," she said. "We have a lot of people every year. We usually have people who travel up from downstate because it's such a nice evening."
Francis said the society's shelter is currently at full capacity, housing more than 200 animals. The society has been working with the county to house overflow animals at the animal control officer's facility at the Alpena County Fairgrounds.
"We've had some pretty good adoption but we're just getting a lot more animals in. We're getting a lot of dropoffs," she said.
The society's long-term goal is to get into a new building. However, with so many animals to take care it's hard to save money for a facility because of higher operations costs. The current building is in poor condition and was never meant to be an animal facility from the beginning, Francis said.
During the gala a live auction will take place after the dinner. A Disney package with air fare and four hopper tickets, a week's stay at a Long Lake cabin, handmade white cedar dog bed and a complete golf package for Lakewood Shores are among the items that will be auctioned off.
Francis said the silent auction has a diverse selection this year. There are several gift certificates, dog beds, jewelry, grooming certificates and gift baskets, among other things. A 50-50 raffle also will take place.
Prior to dinner, attendees have a chance to place auction bids on the VIP table. The table for 10 is decorated with special china and wine glasses and includes four wine bottles. People sitting there will be waited on by Nancy Smithem, Alpena County Sheriff Steve Kieliszewski and Alpena County Undersheriff Terry King, Francis said.
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at the humane society, Real Estate One, Take 5 Deli, Cash & Carry Feeds and The Wedding Shoppe.
Patty Ramus can be reached via e-mail at pramus@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.
