Party Guests Provide a Tornado of Generosity during “An Evening in Oz”
(Party guests shake paws with Center adoptables; Attendees dine in Emerald City; Center Pet Encounter Therapy dogs get into the theme… Photo credits – Amy Huzil)
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (June 10, 2016) – Last Saturday, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 28th Annual Spring Fling Gala treated guests to “An Evening in Oz” and the result was “tornado” of generosity. The sold-out June 4th festivities were enjoyed by 400 guests who celebrated a night of delicious food, fabulous entertainment and fantastic live and silent auction items. The glamorous event had a record-setting year with an impressive net of $363,000 donated to support the pets and the programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center.
The lavish affair was held in the Fairbanks Village Plaza in Rancho Santa Fe, thanks to the hospitality of Joe and Terri Davis, the generosity of title sponsors Ed and Sandy Burr of EDCO and the leadership of Gala Committee Chair Ann Dizney, who also served as the Gala’s Restaurant Chair. Mark Mathis (from KUSI Channel 9 News) and Shelly Dunn (from the “Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw Morning Show” on 100.7 KFM-BFM) hosted the evening’s events.
Following cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the silent auction area, party-goers were treated to some of the finest cuisine in San Diego. Sixteen of the top restaurants in the city donated food and staff to create delicious taste-portioned classic and innovative dishes to the delight of attending guests.
When the “live” auctions began, Gala attendees demonstrated their true devotion to the Center. Top bids ranged from $22,000 for a 5-day Park Avenue Penthouse Getaway (generously donated by Center supporter and donor Linda Brandes); $14,000 for a Mini Cooper S Convertible; $11,000 for a boxing glove signed by the late-great Muhammad Ali; and a collective $116,000 raised for the Center’s “Fund-an-Item” Programs – Adoptions Emergency Medical Care and the Companion Animal Hospital’s Military Fund.
“This event touches my heart every year,” stated Helen Woodward Animal Center President and CEO Mike Arms. “Each contributor, from the guests to the restaurants to the sponsors and donors, come together for the purpose of changing the world for orphan pets. It’s a truly beautiful night.”
For more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center or to make a donation, call 858-756-4117. You may also stop by Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe.
About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world.