The Humane Society for Hamilton County raised $151,000 at its annual Tinsel & Tails Holiday Petacular on Thursday, November 29th – a 61% increase in gross proceeds over last year’s event. Nearly 600 people attended the sold out dinner and silent auction which featured an emotional presentation showcasing some of the year’s most amazing adoption and survivor stories. At the end of the presentation, guests got to meet the featured cats, dogs and their families.
“We had a significant increase from last year due to the number of donations made during the ‘Live Ask’ portion of the event that followed our video presentation of the year’s most remarkable adoption and pet survivor stories. We also had several individuals who offered to match funds raised that evening for a total of $35K in matching dollars,” said Humane Society for Hamilton County Executive Director, Rebecca Stevens. “Additionally, there was an increase in attendance of just over 600 attendees who maxed out the venue compared to 450 attendees last year, and 350 attendees in 2010. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the growth and popularity of this event. Tinsel & Tails showcases what is unique about our organization, not only the animals we save, but in the programs like Pets Healing Vets that we offer which help improve the lives of individuals in our community.”
The money that was raised will be used for everything from life-saving medications and surgeries to food and heat for the facility which serves as both the animal control facility and Humane Society for Hamilton County. The open-admission facility which accepts animals 365 days a year regardless of age, special medical needs, disability, breed or “adoptability” receives approximately 30 percent of its funding from Hamilton County. The rest is made up in private donations, adoption fees, corporate sponsorships and fundraising events. The Humane Society for Hamilton County, which currently has more than 500 animals in its care, does not believe in euthanizing any animal based on time in the shelter or for a lack of space.
“Our goal is to give every adoptable animal who arrives at our facility a second chance regardless of their age or medical needs. We value the life of a 14 year old, diabetic dog just as much as a highly adoptable puppy. The money we raised will help us achieve that goal,” added Stevens.
December will usher in the facility’s “Homeward Bound for the Holidays” campaign. In December, 50 pets – 25 dogs and 25 cats – who have been waiting for homes the longest – will come with incentive packages in hopes they will be adopted by forever families. “The incentive packages our Featured 50 come with are valued from $300 to $500 depending on the animal,” said Jennifer Judd, marketing manager for the Humane Society. “Noah’s Animal Hospital, Paws & Play and Ultimate Canine are this year’s sponsors and have been very generous in creating a fantastic package for each animal in the program.”
The shelter’s goal is to find homes for all 50 featured animals in December…and their dream is to have them in homes by Christmas day.
“For moms and dads who have been thinking about getting a family pet, doing so during our Home for the Holidays promotion in December is the perfect time,” Stevens said. “Not only are they filling their home with love, but they are also saving a life. No gift is better than that.”
For more information about the Humane Society’s Homeward Bound for the Holidays special, visit their website at www.HamiltonHumane.com.