They came for the fine cuisine, to check out the artwork, enjoy the ambiance, but the main motivator was to provide financial support for Animal Harbor.
April 28, 2015
The Herald-Chronicle
They came for the fine cuisine, to check out the artwork, enjoy the ambiance, but the main motivator was to provide financial support for Animal Harbor.
Gail Castle, Animal Harbor’s executive director, was clearly excited about a benefit event held Saturday evening at San Miguel’s party room.
“The first of its kind Tux & Tails fundraiser for Animal Harbor was a huge success,” she said. “We sold 76 tickets and are grateful to those who bought a $100 ticket to attend this event. A big thanks goes out to Deb Howard with Wishing Well Antiques & Gifts and Cile Alexander with Reliable Rental Franklin County, for organizing the event.”
Bill Greer, from Cowan, said he would have attended a fundraiser to help raise money for Animal Harbor regardless of the setting, but this particular venue made for an even more special experience.
“It’s more of an elegant event – I would have raised money for the Animal Harbor anyhow, but this is a little upscale, so, I’m having a good time,” he said.
Castle had praise for everyone who contributed to what she and others described as an enjoyable and rewarding event.
“Chef Sandy Ansley and her crew of sous chef Diana McClelland, first assistants Richard Brooks and Tracy Elliot, assistants extraordinaire Tracey and Preston Ansley, and seafood specialist Vanessa Gurien, were amazing,” she said. “The dinner was delicious and elegantly presented — that made this a memorable and special evening.”
The event began with champagne and Hors d’oeuvres served on silver platters by the “Men in Black,” which included State Rep. David Alexander, Franklin County Property Assessor and Winchester City Councilman Bruce Spencer, Bryan Jones with Belles & Beaus, Mack Warr with Signs First and Chris Ogden of Winchester.
“Thanks to Zach and Lucia Rowe with San Miguel’s Coffee Company for providing such a great venue,” Castle said. “Rocky Morris with Central Abstract, from Sewanee, was certainly in the auctioneer’s zone, and with his assistant, Faith Franklin, they had the right charisma that pushed the bids up for the items to be sold at a good price. The auction brought just over $3,000 for the Harbor. The renowned artists featured in the auction were Jose Santisteban and Anna Kathryn Anderson and together, their contributions brought in close to $1,400.”
Castle said Amanda Curty, with Animal Care Center LLC; Pam Castle, with Sunshine Works; Jennifer Janeway, from Sewanee; Interact Club students from Huntland School; Janie (Woodall), with Studio 1; and Bonita Nolan, Cheryl Damron and Angela Floyd with Swafford’s Property Shop, were the volunteer servers at the event.
“They all served with excellence and charm,” she said. “(And) there are so many other businesses and people who made this event a success. We thank the following for their contributions: Belles & Beaus, Orr Décor & More, Mass Appeal, Mitzy Rigsby Massage, Simple Expressions, The Flower Shop, Custom Designs Florist & Gifts, and Dotson’s Produce, The Lemon Fair, The Monteagle Inn, Village Wine & Spirits, Amanda Bailey’s Flowers, Bill Anderton, Paula Reed, Rick Howard, Animal Harbor’s Shelter Manager Amber Kelley and Assistant Manager Rini Tyler, and Animal Harbor’s Board of Directors — President Pat Thompson, Vice President Susan Rupert, Secretary Cecelia Brodioi, Treasurer Anne Giles, Susan Walton, Dianna Ogden and Phyllis Larson.”
Alexander spoke about why he volunteered to help with the fundraiser.
“I have been involved with the Animal Harbor for years,” he said. “It’s just such a good cause. My wife and I just love dogs.”
or more information on Animal Harbor, call 931-962-4472, go to www.animalharbor.com or communicate via email at petadoption@charter.net.