Dust off your tuxes and primp your pooches! It’s time for the Humane Society of Genesee County’s Ties & Tails “Dine with Your Canine” fundraiser.
The black tie optional event will take place on October 4 at Downtown Flint’s Riverfront Banquet Center. “We wanted to get that Downtown vibe for this year’s event,” says Terry Ashley, HSGC Project Manager, adding that this year’s larger venue will also accommodate more guests. The theme is Cruising on the Love Boat, so the banquet room will be decorated like a cruise ship and Humane Society staff will be dressed as the cast of The Love Boat, explains Terry. As “Cruise Director,” Leslie Toldo will be charged with keeping the party rolling, assisted by Steve Cole, serving as both “First Officer” and Auctioneer.
The evening will begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served at the Tikki Bar. Terry says the suggested attire is a bit more casual this year. “What with the whole tropical theme, you can wear whatever you like,” she says. “You’ll see everything from ball gowns to Bermuda shorts!” Of course, your pooches are also invited to participate. “Dogs will be pampered by handlers during the dinner so you can relax and enjoy the cruise,” smiles Terry. There will also be a photo booth with fun props, a great place to take cruise ship photos with your dog and your cruise mates. “This is a great opportunity to share a fun dinner with your pup and support a good cause at the same time!” Terry exclaimed. A fabulous, four-course meal will be served.
The Ties and Tails Ambassador this Year is Mojo, a beautiful English Chocolate Lab owned by Kathy Johnson. Kathy says that Mojo is an energetic seven-year-old who participates in all his owners’ activities. “Mojo goes with us to work every day,” she said, “and he loves to compete with us in speed walking competitions. In fact, at last years’ Ties & Tails event, he got confused by all the people and thought that he was at a speed walking competition!” Mojo will lead a Pooch Parade with his fellow canines strutting their stuff around the cruise ship. During this year’s auction, owners will have the chance to bid for the highly sought-after Pet Ambassador Package to make their dog next years’ ‘Mojo.’ “There is always a hardy battle for this package, as people want their dog to be the Humane Society ambassador,” laughs Terry. Other auction packages will be travel-themed.
The mission of the Humane Society is to provide shelter and adoption of companion animals, reduce overpopulation, extend humane education, prevent cruelty, and provide those services that promote its goals and policies. Its focus is to treat animals with dignity and respect, and to provide humane treatment for the animals in their care. “We rely solely on the generosity of our donors, and this generosity enables us to care for approximately 175 animals every single day. We’re hoping for a sell-out crowd this year,” says Dawn Johnson, Executive Director. “This year’s Ties & Tails event, ‘Cruisin on the Love Boat,’ will hopefully be our biggest fundraiser ever!” ♦
