STUART, Fla. — The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast raised more than $290,000 at its annual Paws and Claws Gala, its highest grossing event and most attended since COVID-19. Presented by the Catsman Foundation, 216 guests attended the gala, themed “Kool Cats & Diggin’ Dogs,” which was held at the Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart.
Six Misty's Pals Teams, consisting of a trained pet therapy dog and its owner, greeted guests as they arrived. Volunteers Diane Coakley and Allola McGraw co-chaired the gala. Their volunteer committee members were Carol Dippy, Debbie Hansen, Shaun Kelly, Michele McCambridge, Sarah Ralicki, Wendy Talbot, Melony Zaravelis and Kay Ziegler.
In addition to specialty cocktails and flavorful fare, event highlights included a silent auction with 129 packages featuring everything from art, jewelry and dining excursions to spa escapes, vacations and unique experiences. Auctioneer Michael Izzolo conducted the live auction and cash shout out, and The Catsman Foundation offered a $75,000 matching gift.
The Legendary “Diana Ross,” aka Goddess Smith, emceed the event, right in tune with the band, The Essence of Motown, which kept people dancing all night long!
Guests also had the opportunity to enter a raffle in hopes of winning one of three seats on the “American Bandstand” Rate a Record judge's panel. Jessica VanValkenburgh, Tamar Quantz and Anita Misantone won this raffle and rated two surprise songs performed by The Essence of Motown. VanValkenburgh won a private dinner cruise for four people on the luxurious Food Yacht in Jupiter and the other two judges won a $50 restaurant gift card.
The Humane Society extends its heartfelt thanks to the presenting sponsor, the Catsman Foundation, along with major sponsors Apex Pavers & Pools, Acentria Insurance, Integrity Garage Door Services, Stuart Magazine, TC Palm, The Saelzer Atlas Wealth Management Group of Raymond James, JetLoan Capital, Team Parks, Transmarine Chartering and the Eberst Law Firm.
About the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast – The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, FL. Since 1955, it has been the leading advocate for animal protection and well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)3 private, nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated and relies on donations to support its programs and services. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.
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Photo IDs (from left) –
DMP_1386 - Glenn Dempsy, Eilleen Dempsy (center) and Tom Garring (photo by Doreen Poreba)
DMP_1359 - Event Co-Chairs Allola McGraw and Diane Coakley (photo by Doreen Poreba)
DSC_05290 - Amanda and Mark Mosely with (center) Frank Valente, president & CEO of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (Photo by Liz McKinley)
DMP_1305 - Misty's Pals teams - Fred Theye & Kobe, Lauren Aloia & Molly, Bobbie Moran & Keylee, Lexi McIntyre & Bailey (photo by Doreen Poreba)
DMP_1354 - Angelo and Melony Zaravelis with Bittany and Marshall Robinson (photo by Doreen Poreba)
DMP_1373 – Auctioneer Michael Izzolo conducting the live auction (photo by Doreen Poreba)
DMP_1397 - Back row/Jacqueline Patane, Lisa Kieffer, Jenna Ellison. Front row/Kelly Langford, Susan Croop, Beth Vassale (photo by Doreen Poreba)
DMP_1409 - Rate a Record judges: Jessica VanValkenburgh, Tamar Quantz and Anita Misantone (photo by Doreen Poreba)
DSC_05289 - (forefront, left to right) Guests enjoyed dancing to the sounds of The Motown Essence band. (Photo by Liz McKinley)
DSC_05305 - Mylo Carbia and the Legendary “Diana Ross” having fun dancing to The Essence of Motown (Photo by Liz McKinley)
