Annual fundraiser benefits Lakeland Animal Shelter
By Penny Gruetzmacher
Correspondent
More than 350 people attended the Second Chance Dinner, an annual fundraiser to support Lakeland Animal Shelter, held May 11 at The Abbey Resort in Fontana.
Tables featured flowers donated by Wishing Well Florist of Elkhorn, pictures of animals available for adoption at the shelter, and paddles for the live auction. The border of the room featured a display of silent auction baskets, a 50/50 raffle was held with a total of $2,200 raised. A Cork Pull allowed participants to pay $10, choose a cork and win a bottle of wine valued between $10 and $100 and if they weren’t pleased with the bottle they won, they could pay an additional $5 to trade it in. Other raffles included a specialty drink raffle – featuring a signature cocktail and an entry into a drawing for a group wine tasting, and a drinker’s delight raffle, with the winner earning a variety of wine, liquor and beer valued at more than $400.
Kristen Perry, Executive Director of Lakeland Animal Shelter, presided over the event and began by welcoming guests and thanking attendees and donors for helping the animals.
After dinner the video “NO One Left Behind,” was shown. The video, produced by Tiffany Dixon and Lynn Sabo, provided an inside look into the care the shelter provides to the many animals it houses.
Highlights of the live auction included several overnight packages – some for extended vacations, Valley of the Kings group tour and bonfire, Kid’s Party with a Purpose at Lakeland Animal Shelter, and the Raise your paddle-Small Dog & Puppy Facilities.
“Overall the evening was huge success for the shelter. The room was filled with generous and kind animal lovers who dug deep into their pocketbooks to raise more than $100,000 toward the care of the animals as well as our new facility,” Perry said after the event.
Upcoming events to benefit Lakeland Animal Shelter include:
- Shelter Scramble on August 11 at Evergreen Country Club;
- Whisker Walk on Sept. 29 at Lakeland Animal Shelter;
- Sip ‘N Purr held on Feb. 17 2019.
There are numerous ways to support the shelter including becoming a member, volunteering, adopting and fostering.
For more information visit lakelandanimalshelter.com.
