Almost a month out from the Langley Animal Protection Society’s 10th annual Furry Tail Endings gala, the 450-seat event has sold out – already.
“Super cool,” said executive director Jayne Nelson.
But, organizers are still casting around for help, and specifically silent auction items, Nelson added.
The gala – this year set for Saturday, Nov. 4 – is the single largest annual fundraiser for LAPS.
Last year’s event, for instance, raised a $65,000 to help abandon and neglected animals. LAPS’ biggest success came a few years ago, when the one-night gala raised $106,000.
Hoping to at least surpass last year’s tally, Nelson noted the gala committee has already received a couple large-ticket live auction items. They include a round-trip with airfare and accommodations to Victoria and a one-week stay at a Sun Peaks condo.
“[But] this year we are low on silent auction items,” Nelson said. “So we are really hoping that people will help out” by donating a new item, service, gift certificate, or experience/adventure.
“We rely on the money raised each year to help us provide for the animals in our care,” she elaborated.
“Every year, we see many animals that have been neglected and require hundreds of dollars of veterinary care to end their suffering and make them well again,” Nelson said. “All funds raised make it possible for us to help animals receive the medical care they need, benefit from unique programming and enriched, low-stress housing all geared to helping each animal find their own forever, loving home.”
The ISOasis, which is scheduled to be finished this year, will help bring a “much needed community resource” for cats to live.
“We have raised enough money to build and outfit the interior. We will need to raise additional funds to operate the building. We really need the help of our community to make these things possible,” she explained.
Every fall, LAPS holds this gala to celebrate the “many happy endings” that the Patti Dale Animal Shelter in Aldergrove helps create for Langley’s stray, lost, and unwanted animals.
The semi-formal event brings together hundreds of animal lovers for an evening of dinner, dancing, live entertainment, and live and silent auctions.
Once again 103.5 radio morning hosts Nat and Drew will be emcees for the event. Langley’s Michael Simpson will return with music throughout dinner, and the evening will feature a dance performance led by Alivia Baker (the daughter of LAPS’ own Sean Baker).
“LAPS is a small organization but this event has helped us do huge things for companion animals in the City and Township of Langley,” Nelson said.
“And, without the support of our generous gala guests, many of our industry leading programs, such as our dog adoption program or our trap-neuter-release program, would not be possible,” she elaborated.
The gala, once again being held at the Coast Hotel & Convention Centre, sold old out this past Saturday - almost a full month ahead of the Nov. 4 event.
For those still hoping for a chance to attend, they can contact the shelter and ask to have their name added to the waiting list – no guarantees, Nelson said.
In the meantime,, those interested in donating to the Beauty and the Beast-themed evening can contact Jayne Nelson at 604-857-5055.
READ: 2016 SLIDESHOW: Hundreds came together to help Langley’s abandon and neglected pets