POIPU — A 10-month old Airedale mix was the star attraction Saturday at a sold-out gala put on by the Kauai Humane Society at the Sheraton Kauai Resort. Funds from the “Paws for Celebration” provide thousands of animals like Rascal
POIPU — A 10-month old Airedale mix was the star attraction Saturday at a sold-out gala put on by the Kauai Humane Society at the Sheraton Kauai Resort.
Funds from the “Paws for Celebration” provide thousands of animals like Rascal with care so they can find a place to call home, said Penny Cistaro, KHS executive director.
“Rascal was at the event, came up on stage, milled through the audience, and that’s when we did the Dollars for Care program,” she said. “The community showed incredible support to the organization and our animal care programs.”
The Dollars for Care program provided donors a chance to give any amount of money they desired without a bidding process. It raised over $22,000, with donations ranging from $100 to $5,000.
Cistaro said 300 tickets at $95 each were sold for the fundraiser. Proceeds go to general operations.
Paws for Celebration, organized by Laura Lee, KHS director of development — included entertainment, dinner, a silent and live auction and a special performance by local musician Makana.
“We had people ready to start the party an hour earlier than we planned,” Lee wrote in an email. “Due to a supportive community, the event was a success. Tickets were bought earlier than last year and we had to turn a few away since we sold out so quickly.”
Last year, the event raised about $80,000 and this year might have done even better.
“We’re happy with the results,” Cistaro said.