Over 100 people attended the Humane Society of Adams County’s Howl-O-Ween Dinner and Auction on Saturday, Oct. 24. The annual event was held at the GE Employee Park in Peebles. This year the fundraiser netted a total of $6,946.
Gary McClellan of Mosier Furniture and Appliances in West Union served as Master of Ceremonies while auctioneer Sam Bolender provided a unique and fun bidding experience during the live auction. There were also silent auctions and raffles throughout the evening.
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 Robert and Brenda Smith, of West Union, 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 the Volunteer Service Award for her continued voluntary service at the new Animal Shelter in West Union.
Over 150 individuals and businesses contributed to the event by donating a wide variety of items for the auction. Attendees had the opportunity to bid on works of art by James ‘Skip’ Werline, Hayden Lambson, and Becky Hughes; quilted wall hanging by Rita Lucas, Longaberger baskets, a jewelry armoire, primitive decor, gift baskets, and animal statues. The one-of-a-kind statues were painted by local artists Elaine Lafferty, Jessica Huxmann, Betsy Miskell, Sally White, Elaine Sugarbaker, Linda Wright, Venture Productions, Laura Thornton, and RR Ruebusch.
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.
Next year’s Howl-O-Ween Dinner will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016.
The Humane Society of Adams County was formed in 2005. It is a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to providing humane care and treatment for all the animals they shelter. Additionally, the HSAC is also committed to providing educational and volunteer programs to the citizens of Adams County, concerning the humane treatment of animals, prevention of cruelty, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of animals. The society works to reduce the county’s pet over-population by offering low cost spay and neuter clinics.
The society members worked for nearly a decade to raise funds to build a new animal shelter. In 2012 ground was broken for the facility, which was completed in the spring of 2013, and fully staffed by 2015. The facilities grand opening was held on June 20, 2015.
Many individuals contributed to the Humane Society through annual dinner auctions, ice cream socials, open house events, memorial brick sales, membership sales, t-shirt sales, calendar sales, pet food drives, spaghetti dinners, and other fund raising activities.
Robert (Bob) Smith’s vision of a safe, healthy shelter for dogs and cats is what inspired the original members of the Board of Directors to form the Humane Society. Mr. Smith personally oversaw the design and construction of the Animal Shelter building. The new shelter has 20 kennels for dogs and 26 enclosures for cats, as well as a meeting room, laundry room, office space, two-vehicle garage, and acreage for exercising the animals.
Anyone interested in offering support to the Humane Society of Adams County may do so through several different methods: Spay Sponsorships of $45. for spaying one cat or dog; Memorial Bricks for $50. engraved with your message and prominently displayed in the new animal shelter; Calendars for $15. featuring local animals rescued by the humane society.
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.
