Misty’s Pals teams – Fred Theye and Kobe, Lauren Aloia and Molly, Bobbie Moran and Keylee, Lexi McIntyre and Bailey (photo by Doreen Poreba)
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast raised more than $290,000 at its annual Paws and Claws Gala, its highest grossing event and most attended since COVID-19. Presented by the Catsman Foundation, 216 guests attended the gala, themed “Kool Cats & Diggin’ Dogs,” which was held at the Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart.
Six Misty’s Pals Teams, consisting of a trained pet therapy dog and its owner, greeted guests as they arrived. Volunteers Diane Coakley and Allola McGraw cochaired the gala. Their volunteer committee members were Carol Dippy, Debbie Hansen, Shaun Kelly, Michele McCambridge, Sarah Ralicki, Wendy Talbot, Melony Zaravelis and Kay Ziegler.
In addition to specialty cocktails and flavorful fare, event highlights included a silent auction with 129 packages featuring everything from art, jewelry and dining excursions to spa escapes, vacations and unique experiences. Auctioneer Michael Izzolo conducted the live auction and cash shout-out, and The Catsman Foundation offered a $75,000 matching gift.
(center) and Tom Garring (photo by
Doreen Poreba)
Diane Coakley (photo by Doreen Poreba)
Frank Valente, president and CEO of the
Humane Society of the Treasure Coast
(photo by Liz McKinley)
The Legendary “Diana Ross,” aka Goddess Smith, emceed the event, right in tune with the band, The Essence of Motown, which kept people dancing all night long!
Guests also had the opportunity to enter a raffle in hopes of winning one of three seats on the “American Bandstand” Rate a Record judges’ panel. Jessica VanValkenburgh, Tamar Quantz and Anita Misantone won this raffle and rated two surprise songs performed by The Essence of Motown. VanValkenburgh won a private dinner cruise for four people on the luxurious Food Yacht in Jupiter and the other two judges won a $50 restaurant gift card.
The Humane Society extends its heartfelt thanks to the presenting sponsor, the Catsman Foundation, along with major sponsors Apex Pavers & Pools, Acentria Insurance, Integrity Garage Door Services, Stuart Magazine, TC Palm, The Saelzer Atlas Wealth Management Group of Raymond James, JetLoan Capital, Team Parks, Transmarine Chartering and the Eberst Law Firm.
Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.
