Excitement floated on the welcomed late afternoon country breeze at Englemann Cellars just prior to the first guests arriving to our Inaugural Bets for Pets Casino Night fundraiser. Anticipation was mounting as our hard working Event Committee made last minute preparations ensuring everything was just perfect for all our party-goers.
The evening played out to be as delightful and entertaining as our dedicated committee members had hoped it would be. Our goal was to raise the much needed funding for three of our key foundation programs that make positive differences in the lives of our community’s animals. The proceeds raised during the evening of summer fun will support our Spay/Neuter, Foster Care, and Humane Education programs.
The beautifully dressed guests were greeted with their dinner tickets for QN4U BBQ, drink tickets, $100 in gaming money, and the opportunity to vote on how the proceeds would be divided among the key foundation programs. Results of the voting showed Spay/Neuter as first choice with 65% of the votes, followed by Humane Education with 19%, and then Foster Care with 16%.
Emcee Gnarly Charley made the laughter explode each time he took the microphone and the guests had a hard time sitting still in their seats while The Valley Cats band played their great dancing music.
Our new mobile adoption unit, which was donated by the Ted Martin Family Fund through the Fresno Regional Foundation, became a hot spot of activity as several animals found their new beginnings with a loving family.
On the patio of Englemann Cellars, you felt as if you were on the floor of a famous Vegas casino with all the screams of excitement from the winners on C&C Production’s gaming tables.
Then it was off to the intensely animated live auction, where the excellent high-end packages kept people on the edge of their seats with frenzied bidding. The silent auction was no less intense, as the battles for desired treasures took on a life of their own. And the delicious Englemann Cellars wine was highly sought out after as well, especially when poured into our new line of CCSPCA wine glasses.
This lovely evening under the stars was a huge success thanks to all who attended and our VERY generous donors and sponsors. Plans are already underway for next year’s Casino Night at Englemann Cellars in August 2013, so mark your calendars now!