Everything slows down a bit with the heat of summer, and it often seems to bring a slight lull in fundraising events. Over the next several weeks we will bring you news of upcoming events as well as the stories of some of the incredible volunteers who make our community one of the best places in the country to live. We are pleased to bring you these extraordinary stories of love and courage, and hope you enjoy and are inspired by them.
IDAHO HUMANE SOCIETY LAWN PARTY
Writer Samuel Butler once said, "All animals except man know that the ultimate point of life is to enjoy it." On July 17, you can take an evening to just enjoy life in honor of all creatures great and small.
The Idaho Humane Society's annual lawn party celebrates its 18th year in the beautiful backyard of Frances and Roy Ellsworth. One of the summer's most popular parties, it covers two adjoining backyards overlooking the city.
During cocktail hour, guests can enjoy perusing the silent auction items (many of which are animal-themed) while listening to music by Frim Fram Fellas. The auction also will feature fabulous weekend getaways and outdoor excursions, a bounty of gift certificates and one-of-a-kind art pieces - all kindly donated by area merchants and artists.
The evening continues with a scrumptious buffet dinner catered by Incredible Edibles. Then guests will put their paws in the air for the live auction, consisting of many innovative and creative items. It is a lively and lovely evening, sure to warm the hearts of all animal lovers.
The lawn party is the largest fundraiser for the Idaho Humane Society, with proceeds benefiting the society's many animal advocacy projects, including its soon-to-be-on-the-road mobile clinic, rescue and adoption unit.
"This year, we're hoping to raise money to fully equip our mobile unit so we can really get out into the community," said Susan Norby, Idaho Humane Society board president.
The mobile clinic will provide adoption services for on-site adoption, including 48 cages with viewing windows. It also will house a rescue facility and a spay and neuter clinic. It will provide the opportunity to extend the Humane Society's outreach to outlying areas and to further expand its message of responsible pet ownership.
From small-animal adoption to the Rescue Ranch for horses and other livestock, the Humane Society typically handles more than 15,000 animals per year. It also provides spay/neuter services, a veterinary hospital that cares for shelter animals and those belonging to the public, and animal-control ordinance enforcement and cruelty investigation.
The society has numerous programs to promote the awareness of and compassion for animals, such as its education programs, foster care, pet therapy program, senior citizen pet adoption program, and the inmate dog alliance program.
The needs of animals are especially critical now. Tougher economic times prompt more people to turn their pets in. This has been especially true of horses. The Rescue Ranch recently seized a dozen horses in two abuse and neglect cases.
Horses aren't the only animals affected by the economic downturn. "We're just trying to keep up," said board member, Vangie Osborn.
For more information on how you can help the Humane Society with its programs, go to www.idahohumanesociety.org.
After all, according to Mahatma Gandhi, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." As the largest and oldest animal welfare organization in the state, the Idaho Humane Society leads the way in helping our community care for its animals.
Tickets to the lawn party are $150 each. To purchase tickets, sponsor a table, or for more information, contact Christine Moore at the Idaho Humane Society at 387-2760.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
Idaho Shakespeare Festival - fundraising gala: Monday, July 14; www.idahoshakespeare.org.
University of Idaho - governor's gala: Thursday, July 24; www.vandalscholarshipfund.com.
Easter Seals-Goodwill - Ally & Brady's Gift of Hope Golf Tournament: Saturday, July 26; www.esgw-nrm.easterseals.com.
Epilepsy Foundation - second annual dodgeball tournament: Saturday, July 26; www.epilepsyidaho.org.
St. Luke's - Scramble for the Kids Golf Tournament: Friday, August 1; www.slrmc.org.
Ronald McDonald House - charity golf tournament: Thursday, Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 10; www.rmhidaho.org.
Basque Museum and Cultural Center - WineFest 2008: Friday, Aug. 15; www.basquemuseum.com.
Make-a-Wish Foundation - Powell's Sweet Summer Dreams Art Walk: Saturday, August 23; www.idahowish.org.
The Idaho Foodbank - Hot August Night Fun Run: Saturday, Aug. 23; www.idahofoodbank.org.
Do you have fundraising events for your 501(c)(3) organization you would like the divas to hear about, or nominations for spotlights on shining stars who make Treasure Valley nonprofits sparkle? E-mail info@divasforadifference.com.
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