Humane Society annual auction raises over $60,000
Despite two date changes due to the snow and ice, more than $60,000 was raised at the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society’s annual auction event on February 27. More than 300 people came out for a Motown-themed evening at the Abingdon Ruritan Center in Bena to benefit the animals.
Emcee Jay Hutchens of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs led the evening as guests bid and outbid each other on more than 150 silent auction items. Auctioneer Stuart Anderson kept the bidding fierce during the live auction that included a set of handmade end tables, an antique oriental rug, catered events and weeks at vacation homes.
Vendors included A Catered Affair, Cross Street Coffee, Olivia’s, The Deltaville Bed and Breakfast Inn, Just Ask The Dishes, and Rosemary and Wine. “They provided fantastic food and refreshments for all to enjoy,” said a Humane Society spokesperson.
Highlights of the evening included the auctioning of the original artwork centerpieces generously created and donated by regional and national artists and a performance by “Diana Voss and the Dupremes” better known as Kenny Walton, Ralph Jackson and P.B. White. The performance can currently be viewed on YouTube.
The night was made possible with the generous support of sponsors Commonwealth Travel, Ken Houtz Chevrolet-Buick, Nuttall Country Store, Rappahannock Concrete, White Marsh Properties, Sandy and Bobby Hatten, Scott and Kathy Kauffman, Reba and Hal McVey, Joyce and Bob Richter, and Cheryl and Bill Walker.
Sentara Healthcare, Waste Management and The White Dog Inn lent their support with ads in the event program.
George Rhodes of Gloucester Office Supply provided his lighting talents.
Becky Heath of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs serenaded the crowd with a spirited rendition of the night’s title track “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You.”
Special thanks go to the youth volunteers of Ware Academy and other area schools for donating their time and effort for the evening.
The biggest story of the evening was how the community came together in support of their Humane Society. Most of those who could attend the first date and not the second, or the second and not the third gave their ticket or reserved table money as a donation to the cause, allowing those tickets to be re-sold to other guests.
Rappahannock Rentals and Connie Duglin Linens charged nothing extra for linens to be kept for weeks as dates changed for the event. A Catered Affair and Olivia’s came and cooked for the cold and tired volunteers as they undid the event for the second cancellation. Olivia’s not only used what food they could when the event was cancelled the second time, they arranged for it to be used for a benefit for a local family who lost almost everything in a house fire, and then coordinated the donation of the rest of the food to local charities.
The Abingdon Ruritans gave extra time for the event take-down during the snowy conditions at no extra expense.
Darla Revere graciously donated desserts for the first two dates.
Julia Lee of The Deltaville Bed and Breakfast Inn made desserts not once, but twice, at no charge.
Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism donated the use of its tents for all three dates.
Gloucester RV Inc. delivered the RV to the site twice in order that the entertainment have space to prepare.
Balloon Boutique and Party, which is located in Grand Rental Station, discounted balloons and delivery twice.
The Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society (GMHS) is open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sundays for adoptions only from 1 to 4 p.m.
Visit the Humane Society on the web at http://www.gloucestermathewshumanesociety.org.
