Business & Tech
VIDEO: Save-A-Pet Auction Brings in the Kibble
Organizers hope to raise $20,000 for the Seekonk Animal Shelter.
Animal lovers packed into a banquet hall at the yesterday evening to participate in the first of three nights for the annual Save-a-Pet auction. A crowd of almost 70 placed their bids in support of the non-profit fundraiser that benefits the Seekonk Animal Shelter.
With two nights left in the auction, organizers hope to raise more than last year’s $20,000 total.
“Even with the tough economy, people have been so generous,” says Save-a-Pet President Pat Cloutier. “It’s by far our biggest and most effective fundraiser.”
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Bidders are able to choose from hundreds of items and services donated by residents and local businesses, including many favorite restaurants and stores within town. Some donated items include gift certificates for basic services that people will almost certainly need to pay for in the near future, such as oil changes and dry cleaning, making it a win-win for bidders and Save-a-Pet.
More glamorous items include Red Sox and Patriots memorabilia, and even autographed pictures from celebrities Jim Carrey and Betty White.
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Needless to say, the auction has a little something for everyone.
The proceeds from the auction provide an essential financial crutch for the Seekonk Animal Shelter, which is devoted to ensuring every animal has a chance to find a home. The money generated by Save-a-Pet helps the shelter pay for food and important medical supplies. Save-a-Pet volunteers donate a good portion of their time and energy to assist in any way they can.
“A lot of the same people come every year, all animal lovers,” says auctioneer Larry Byrne, a Save-a-Pet volunteer for almost 20 years. “There’s a lot of loyalty here, it means a lot to us who devote our lives to the care of animals”.
One familiar face at the auction was recently elected State Rep. Steven Howitt, who frequently donates and auctioneers at the annual event.
“No one can advocate for animals except for us people,” says Howitt. “This is a great way to bring the community together.”
It’s not too late to get in on the action. The auction continued into Wednesday and Thursday evening at the Johnson & Wales Inn from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
If unable to attend the auction in person, you can catch it on television on TV9 and call in your bids at (508)-336-0098. Or check out the Web site.
