A dream-trip raffle prize and a new event location headline this year’s Howling at the Moon benefit for the Animal Welfare Alliance and its regional, no-kill animal shelter.
The event will be held from 6-10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the Holiday Inn Ballroom in Poplar Bluff. Guests will be treated to a full dinner catered by Castello’s restaurant, live music by The Millstones, complimentary beer and wine coolers courtesy of Budweiser and Wil Fischer Distributing Co., a silent auction, a howling contest and three different raffles, according to a press release from the organization.
Top item among the raffles is a $500 travel certificate that can cover the winner’s choice from a variety of vacations for two adults. For example, these could include: two nights at a Las Vegas hotel/casino, or two nights at a Colorado hotel during ski season this December, or most of the cost of a three or four-night cruise out of Florida to the Bahamas and back this coming January. The winner’s chosen trip must be booked by April 1 through Sarah Hobbs at All Around Travels in Poplar Bluff.
AWA operates a regional no-kill animal shelter serving Butler, Carter, Ripley and Wayne counties and receives no government subsidies. All dogs and cats adopted out are already spayed/neutered and up to date on shots. Many also have basic behavior training.
“It costs us up to $20,000 a month to operate. So we need folks to join us on Nov. 1, have a great time, and help support us,” said AWA President Charlotte W. Craig. “We think ours is the best party in town.”
Tickets for Howling at the Moon are just $40 each and can be bought at the door the night of the event or in advance at Key Drugs, the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, AWA’s no-kill shelter at 1904 S. Westwood Blvd. in Poplar Bluff or on-line at www.awasemo.org .
“Howling could never happen without the help of our sponsors,” said Craig.
In addition to Budweiser and the Wil Fischer Co., Event Sponsors are Coffman & Co. – Your CPA, Hicks Animal Hospital, Hillcrest Animal Hospital, and Key Drugs, all of Poplar Bluff.
Gold Sponsors of the event are: Captain D’s Seafood Restaurant in Doniphan, Dr. Preston Jones and Lisa Reynolds Insurance, both of Poplar Bluff.
Silver Sponsors are: The Dental Arts Group – The Blaich Family, Dr. Carrie Carda, First Midwest Bank, Parks Animal Care Center, People’s Community Bank and Whitworth’s Gift Chest Jewelers, all of Poplar Bluff. Lower level sponsors will be recognized at the event.
In addition to running its shelter, AWA spends up to $2,000 a month on programs. AWA works with Haven House, the VA, and Recycling Grace to temporarily care for pets of individuals who otherwise would be unable to seek treatment or shelter. With the cooperation of Poplar Bluff’s animal control officers, AWA helps provide vaccinations for puppies in the city shelter. The group also provides $50 vouchers for qualifying pet owners needing help with spay/neuter costs. Since beginning operations in 2009, AWA has spent more than $140,000 helping to alter area cats and dogs.
AWA always needs volunteers. If you would like to help improve the quality of life for both animals and people, call the AWA shelter at 573-840-0664. More information about the organization or Howling at the Moon is available on www.awasemo.org or on www.facebook.com/awasemo