PAWS 16th annual fundraising dinner and auction a huge success

Many thanks for the wonderful support shown to North Beach PAWS on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center for our 16th Annual Fundraising Dinner and Auction.

It was completely sold out!

Attendees enjoyed the wonderful music of Tiffany Maki and the Mellow Tones throughout the evening, a great local jazz ensemble who donated their music to the cause. A special thanks to the 16 businesses and individuals who agreed to be sponsors for this year’s event, which helped offset many of our overhead expenses. There were 15 wonderful items in the live auction, including three trips bid on for a Zulu Nyala South Africa photo safari for two. Many thanks to Sharon and John Dahlbeck for doing an outstanding job co-chairing the silent and live auctions. Carol Schoenfeldt and the Procurement Team did an amazing job collecting almost 300 items for the silent auction throughout the year and putting together many beautiful gift baskets, some including wine for the holidays. Deanna Cook did an incredible job collecting items for the Egg Table event all year long and was responsible for the pretty table decorations. Heartfelt thanks to Eric Bjella for his auctioneer services, who outdid himself this year and the fabulous Ocean Shores Pirates who helped us throughout the evening. George Lee and his staff prepared a delicious meal, which we received many compliments on. Special donations were also raised for North Beach PAWS Low income Spay Neuter and Veterinary Expense funds. General proceeds from this year’s event will be used to help pay for operational expenses and improvements to the shelter this coming year. It appears that we grossed more than $40,000 at this year’s event, and will hopefully net somewhere between $25,000 and $30,000.

Thanks to all of the individuals and businesses who donated so generously and ticket outlets: Kool Katz & Dawgs, the O.S. Convention Center, Valdez & Sage and The Dusty Trunk. Most of all, thanks to everyone who came to support the auction, making it such a huge success! This is a community who truly loves animals so we truly feel blessed to have your support throughout the year. We are indeed all kindred spirits!

Lorna Valdez

President, North Beach PAWS.