Once again there was a wonderful turn out for the Humane Society of Adams County’s 2015 Howl-O-Ween Dinner and Auction at the GE Employee Park in Peebles on Saturday, Oct. 24. Ninety three people attended and the evening netted a total of $6,946.
Dinner was catered by the Scioto Ribber and included ribs, chicken, green beans, and rolls. Dessert was a delicious variety of homemade cupcakes baked and decorated by volunteers.
Master of Ceremonies Gary McClellan entertained the audience all evening, while auctioneer Sam Bolender provided a unique and fun bidding experience at the auction. Over 150 individuals and businesses contributed to the event in a variety of ways with many businesses donating gift cards and items for the silent and live auctions. Some businesses created entire baskets full of goodies for the crowd. Local artists also donated their time and talent to paint concrete animal statues that were auctioned off.
Several local individuals were honored at the event for their community service and commitment to the welfare of animals. Jessica Huxmann, current president of the HSAC Board of Directors, presented Bob and Brenda Smith with a plaque displaying a story from The People’s Defender commemorating the grand opening of the new Animal Shelter on June 20. The Smith family donated over $250,000 over the course of about eight years to buy land and build the new Animal Shelter, which cost a total of $283,000.
Honorees for the Humane Society’s annual Community Service Award were Mary Bevins of Sacred Hearts Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Winchester, Mary Jane Espelage of A Second Chance Pet Adoptions near Hillsboro, Lori Sies of Dreamhouse Sanctuary in Lynx, and Ed and Melva Kimball of Lickety Split Pet Transport in Manchester. These individuals have distinguished themselves by going above and beyond the call of duty to help animals throughout the region, often at great personal and financial sacrifice. Their actions have saved thousands of animals’ lives and prevented much animal suffering.
The Humane Society also awarded Christine Campbell with the Volunteer Service Award for her continued voluntary service at the new Animal Shelter in West Union.
Next year’s Howl-O-Ween Dinner will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016.
For more information about the Humane Society of Adams County, please visit the Animal Shelter Tuesday through Saturday between 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., call (937) 544-8585, or visit www.adamscountyanimals.org.
