With its irresistible cause and a gorgeous venue, the seventh annual Love at First Bite holiday gala at Rock City Gardens to benefit the H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue in Sebastian was a sold-out smash. Attendance was a record-breaking 400, said Allyson Bootes, H.A.L.O.’s director of development. And, in another gratifying record-breaker, the event netted $124,000, exceeding $100,000 for the first time.
As night fell volunteers directed the festively attired guests into the gardens, which had been transformed into a holiday wonderland, softly illuminated by thousands of tiny white lights.
The attendees passed beneath an arched portico, aglow with twinkling lights, then into the gardens along a winding pathway, the lively sound of Rhythm Trail Steel Band welcoming everyone to the party.
On either side of the path were easels displaying enticing black-and-white portraits of adorable – and adoptable – H.A.L.O. rescues, including dogs, cats, a pig and a horse.
Throughout the evening, a couple of gorgeous cats and several tail-wagging dogs, escorted by volunteer plus-ones, mingled with the guests, exuding charm and charisma, hoping to find their forever family.
Bootes shared her favorite story of the evening about Roscoe, one of the H.A.L.O. residents taking part in the meet-and-greet. “A sweet old dog,” who they guessed was around 10 years old, Roscoe had been nabbed by Okeechobee Animal Control. Okeechobee doesn’t have a designated animal shelter and because of a lack of space, Roscoe had been pegged for euthanasia.
However, Bootes explained, because of their relationship with Okeechobee, Roscoe was transported to H.A.L.O. instead. With a second chance at a happy life, he put his best paw forward while making the rounds of the party with Nikki Cruz and caught the eye of one of the guests.
Bootes was delighted to share the heartwarming happy ending, saying, “Roscoe met his forever family that night and, on Dec. 8, he got to go home for Christmas!”
Among the other hopefuls that evening were 15-year-old, owner-surrendered Bashful, a serenely beautiful and lovable deaf cat, accompanied by volunteer Kayla Gagne; three adorable, wiggly mastiff-mix puppies about 10 weeks old – Dream, Wonder and Fantasy – escorted by Hailey Nottage, Michelle Oden and Scott Wheeler; and Harriett, a lovely 2-year-old cat, brought to H.A.L.O. as a stray.
Throughout the evening, attendees relaxed at tables beneath a spacious open-sided tent or wandered about the lovely garden, inspecting the many enticing auction items.
They also enjoyed a variety of mouthwatering delicacies, each paired with a wine selection, that were offered at five food stations catered by Wild Thyme, along with luscious desserts provided by AKOHO.
Entertainment featured Canine Stars, a troupe of amazingly talented rescue dogs and their handlers, who have performed on “America’s Got Talent” and now travel the country supporting pet rescues. Among the joyful, leaping, Frisbee-catching, hoop-jumping canine stars was Shazam, a black-and-white mix who was rescued after he was traded for a saddle at a flea market. “Shazam loves applause,” the audience was told, and Shazam and his fellow performers received it aplenty.
Since its founding 15 years ago by Jacque Petrone, H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue has saved 18,414 lives. In addition to the Sebastian facility, there is an adoption center at the Vero Mall on State Road 60.
For more information visit HALOrescuefl.org.
Photos provided
