News & Events

GLOUCESTER-MATHEWS HUMANE SOCIETY’S
ANNUAL AUCTION EVENT RAISES OVER $60,000

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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 Saturday, February 27, 2010. More than 300 people came out for a Motown themed evening benefitting the animals at the Abingdon Ruritan Center in Bena, VA.

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 A Catered Affair, Cross Street Coffee, Olivia’s, The Deltaville Bed and Breakfast Inn, Just Ask The Dishes, and Rosemary and Wine provided fantastic food and refreshments for all to enjoy.

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 Mr. Kenny Walton, Mr. Ralph Jackson and Mr. P.B. White which can currently be viewed on You Tube.

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 & Bobby Hatten, Scott & Kathy Kauffman, Reba & Hal McVey, Joyce & Bob Richter and Cheryl & Bill Walker. Gloucester RV, Inc. generously donated a RV the entertainment used for the evening. 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 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 their tents for all three dates. Gloucester RV, Inc delivered the RV to the site twice in order that the entertainments have space to prepare. Balloon Boutique and Party located in Grand Rental Station discounted balloons and delivery twice. It was truly the generosity and support of the people and business establishments of this area that made this a great night for the animals.

The GMHS is open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11AM until 4PM, Wednesday from 11AM to 6PM and closed on Sundays. You can also visit the Humane Society on the web at www.gloucestermathewshumanesociety.org.
 

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HUGAPET  Spring 2010