Nine adorable pups – Petey, Rocket, Shane, Shiloh, Ladybug, Mikey, Zorro, Chanel and Bambi – attended Cause for Paws along with roughly 300 guests at the annual fundraiser to benefit the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, held last Monday evening at the Oak Harbor Club House. Tails wagging as they greeted arrivals, the endearing dogs were a poignant reminder that the grand gala was helping to raise money to assist the shelter with its various programs, including spaying and neutering, vaccinations, adoptions and anti-cruelty/humane education services.
Last year’s gala raised $320,000 and organizers expected to do the same this year under the capable guidance of co-chairs Mary Ryan, Bonnie Spitzmiller and Maria Segura. More than 450 auction items filled every nook and cranny of the Oak Harbor reception hall and side rooms, and guests were actively perusing the huge selection of jewelry, home décor, bedazzled handbags and vacation stays that were on display to entice them.
The auction process was made easy with the use of BidPals, handheld devices which allowed bidders to keep an eye on bids to their favored items from anywhere in the room. Guests eagerly examined the merchandise as they sipped cocktails and munched on tuna sushi appetizers and spanakopita before dinner.
Eleven live auction items were auctioned off during a delicious dinner of chicken Florentine and ginger salmon, including a four-seater electric Club Car golf cart, a Barbados stay for eight at a vacation villa, and the chance to be named as a character in one of Stuart Woods’ novels.
The decorating committee had created table centerpieces of charming lighted houses, each featuring a cat or dog resting comfortably on its porch, and had added flared multi-colored napkins at every table setting.
“Each house was made by the committee last year and they were so wonderful we used them again this year,” said Spitzmiller. The effect was simple, whimsical and, best of all, cost effective, ensuring that as much money as possible would benefit the animals.
“I am a big animal lover,” said Melissa Shine, an avid supporter of the Humane Society. “Indian River County’s biggest problem is getting stray animals spayed or neutered. The quantity of stray animals being born without owners is outrageous. Other Humane Societies actually bring their animals here because this facility is so great about spaying and neutering.”
In fact some of the dogs that greeted arrivals were among the 12 taken in by our shelter on an emergency basis from a recent puppy mill rescue in Arkansas. Staff was hopeful that some of the guests happily petting the furry ambassadors would find it in their hearts to visit the shelter to adopt them or any of the other animals needing a loving home.
“I have had two lap dogs and lost them both in the last six months, so I am ready to consider getting another one,” said Lee LaPointe, eyeing a Shih Tzu pair, a cute beagle and a smaller, sweet-faced mixed breed pit-bull. “I have a cat at home from the Humane Society and I love my cat, but I still want another dog for companionship.”