Signature Annual Fundraising Event Raises More than $40,000 Through Ticket Sales and Live and Silent Auctions while Honoring Lorna and Mike Valdez for 22 Years of Service
North Beach PAWS held its annual dinner and auction, presented by Bennett’s Fish Shack, at the Ocean Shores Convention Center on Saturday, November 2. The organization honored co-founders Lorna and Mike Valdez, who stepped down earlier this year, for 22 years of storied service to the animals and local community.
The shelter’s signature gala event raised more than $40,000 to help homeless and abandoned animals, support the day-to-day operations of the shelter, and fund the construction of a new dog shelter.
“The high quality of the donated items for the silent and live auctions, and the spectacular Hawaii trip raffle, resulted in robust bidding,” said Carol Jamroz, North Beach PAWS President. “The evening was high energy and fun, a great combination when fundraising for the cats and dogs.”
The event featured a raffle for a first-class trip for two to Waikiki on the island of Oahu, with 199 tickets sold for $25 each. The raffle winner, Debbie Cross, was overwhelmed with joy when her number was called.
One of the highlights of the evening was an emotional video produced by Olympia’s Sky Bear Media driving home the need for a new dog shelter, along with an animated 3D fly-through rendering of the proposed dog shelter produced by MD Architects of Kirkland.
“Our annual dinner and auction is the heart of our community’s support for North Beach PAWS. Each year, we’re overwhelmed by the generosity and passion of our attendees, who make it possible for us to continue our mission,” said Nanette Sparrow, North Beach PAWS Dog Shelter Manager and Fundraising Chair. “The funds raised allow us to provide vital care, resources, and services to animals in need, and every ticket purchased, every item bid on, brings us closer to building a better place for them. We couldn’t do it without this incredible event and the compassionate people behind it.”
The results of Pam and Tim Moon’s $50,000 For the Love of PAWS donation match initiative were also announced with a total donation of $116,000 dedicated to the construction of the new dog shelter. Pam Moon served as a member of the North Beach PAWS board of directors and cat shelter manager for several years.
The North Beach PAWS Dinner Auction featured entertainment provided by Johnny Gargano of Vegas Nites Entertainment and an appearance by and assistance from the Ocean Shores Pirates with Jerry Knaak serving as master of ceremonies and Eric Bjella as auctioneer. This is the second year in a row that North Beach PAWS has held its in-person dinner and auction after pausing due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
