‘Tuxes & Tails’ Howling Success For Humane Society
By Nancy Lundell // August 28, 2014
Central Brevard Humane Society honors patrons
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TUXES & TAILS PHOTO GALLERY
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – The Central Brevard Humane Society hosted their 3rd Annual Tuxes & Tails Gala at the Cocoa Civic Center in Cocoa recently as more than 250 people attended the annual fundraiser.
The event began with Sloan Rivers (honorary host Susie Wasdin) reporting live on the Catnip Carpet, interviewing attendees and their furry companions.
“Mike & Mindy” of Lite Rock 99.3 FM and Rick Roach with Community Credit Union emceed the event.
Dogs dined in style, beside or in the arms of their humans, at round tables for 10 at the Tuxes and Tails gala recently. One Yorkshire terrier was clad in the evening’s attire – a black tuxedo.
Sandi Trudeau, president, was dressed to match Sampson, a massive Great Dane that she rescued a year ago. And Karen Lee wore a handsome jacket embellished with dog biscuits.
The program included performances by Richard Evans, Caroline Hinton, Johnathan Shepherd from the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse Presenters, live & silent auctions, complimentary Pawtinis & Barkaritas, a buffet dinner, festive dance music, and a special presentation to recognize community leaders who have made a significant contribution to the Humane Society’s success over the past year.
Those winners were:
• Rich Carpenter, Humane Hero Animal Friend Award
• Dr. Elizabeth Chosa, John W. Braxton, III Veterinarian Award
• Staci Hawkins-Smith, Richard H. Stottler, Jr. Humanitarian Award
• Abbey West, Richard H. Stottler, Jr. Future Leader Humanitarian Award
Special recognition was also given to the Humane Society’s Board of Directors which include Sandi Trudeau, President; Rob Smith, Vice President; Dianne George, Treasurer; Justin Ward, Secretary; Julie Clover; Michelle Earltinez; Dennis Gollehon; Karen Lee; Jodi Levesque; Ellen Loegering; Jennifer Tharpe; Susan Thompson; and Tom Yardley.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TUXES & TAILS PHOTO GALLERY
The event raised $35,000 of the $40,000 needed to build a new laundry room area at the shelter, as the existing pipes are deteriorating. Over the years, the facility has housed and cared for thousands and thousands of unwanted, abandoned and abused pets, and is in great need of repair.
Cats and kittens were not in attendance although they are available for adoption, too.
A truly unique organization, the Central Brevard Humane Society is a “no kill for space” facility, self-sustaining, receiving no support from tax dollars. All of their funding comes through donations, adoption fees, product sales, their four Molly Mutt Thrift Shops, the Merritt Island Adoption Center, fundraisers and other pet related services.
Major sponsors of the event include Lite Rock 99.3 FM, Space Coast Daily, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living, Wade Martin & Vanessa Rodriguez, Jon’s Fine Jewelry, City of Cocoa, Florida Today, Rockledge Gardens and Space Coast Living.
If you would like to help the Humane Society reach their goal for the laundry room, please call 321-636-3343.
