Humane Society dinner raises $40,000

Silent and live auctions helped the Humane Society to 
raise almost $40,000

Michael Ryan (in costume) takes to the stage in spoof 
about the Ritz-Carlton

Wednesday, March 17, 2004

Members of the Cayman Humane Society (CHS) raised almost $40,000 at the society's annual dinner held on Saturday, 13 March, at Pedro St James. 

Allistair Patterson was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, which included a champagne reception, dinner, activities, silent and live auctions, and raffles. 

Host of the evening, and President of the CHS Board of Directors, Guiesseppe Gatta, said: "Funds from the evening will go to the shelter animals' care, building funds to develop and build new and much-needed facilities and an aggressive spay-neuter programme for the island."

Audience members were shown a slideshow depicting the needs of the shelter and how the volunteers and staff have conducted their work for animal welfare and education throughout the islands in the past year. 

There was also a short comical sketch performed by Mr Gatta, Vicco Testori, Suzanna Gatta, Nicki Grekos and Michael Ryan, who did a spoof on the Ritz-Carlton, of which he is the developer. 

Finally, as part of the silent auction members of the community donated paintings, designer jewellery and craft items. Live auction items included travel and local excursions. 

During the evening, CHS displayed the architectural rendering of its new facilities. The black and white new shelter is a quaint Caymanian style dwelling, which will be located on the same site as the existing building. 
Temporary relocation sites for the Claws-Its Thrift Shop and Book Loft have been donated from Cayman Free Press in the upstairs of its corner location of North Sound Road and Shedden Road.

While expressing his gratitude, Mr Gatta admitted there were too many people to thank. "We have so many contributors to the success of the dinner that it would be a disservice to try to name them all at this time. 

"We will do a formal note of appreciation for all in the near future. It is to say that the time, efforts, donations and contributions of everyone involved is what has made this annual event so profitable for the CHS and the welfare of our animals every year and this year has been no exception."

Mr Gatta did mention the Lighthouse and Pappagallos Restaurants, who combined their efforts to donate the food and wine served for the evening meal and waiters and waitresses who volunteered to serve the 182 sponsors who participated.

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