Record Breaking Gala

By DAN KROSSE

Music, dancing and fundraising were the recipe for success at the third annual

Applause for Paws Gala at the Gaillard

Center in Charleston October 15th. The crowd roared with applause when

Gala Chairwoman Gerri Greenwood told the audience, “We are here to save the lives of the most vulnerable of God’s creatures, innocent animals who have no voice of their own. We touch the lives of over 15,000 animals each year.” The Gala raised more than $750,000, excluding expenses, for the animals. The Havana Nights Gala was presented by Hank & Laurel Greer and Fetch Pet

Insurance. Major sponsors include

Blackbaud, Charleston Carriage

Horse Advocates, Minero Mexican

Grill & Cantina, Caroline Clark, 4 Legs

Foundation, Linda Lear and John Nickum,

Valerie Luther, Arlene Morris and Colin John Campi, Pat and Martha Waters.

Over 600 participants put on their tuxedos and cabana-style attire for the “Havana Nights” evening.

Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2 Anchor and Charleston Animal Society Board

Member, served as the mistress of ceremonies and Doug Warner conducted the live auction.

During the “VIP Experience,” preceding the formal program, the City of North Charleston and the Town of Mount Pleasant were recognized for earning the Mars Better Cities for Pets™ certification this year, exemplifying cities that go above and beyond to make their municipalities more pet-friendly. State Representative Leon Stavrinakis and City of North Charleston Council Chairman Ron Brinson were recognized during the main event for championing the initiation of the Animal Society’s long-term project to expand its campus to provide critical access to care to both local families and other South Carolina animal shelters that are struggling to care for animals.

“To see the tremendous care and concern that our community has for the plight of animals is gratifying and hopefully our elected officials will take notice that much needs to be done ,” said

Charleston Animal Society President and

CEO Joe Elmore. “Everyone who lives in

Charleston County should be so proud of our community. Every day we see support on every level, whether it is the gift of time, the gift of homes or the gift of donations. We are so thankful.” The Gala’s “Fund a Need” portion of the program told the story of Lilly, a severely injured dog who was saved by the Charleston Animal Society team and is being adopted by Ron and Peggy Brinson. The Board of Directors matched $35,500 in donations for “Fund a Need.”

ABOVE: Generous bidding during the auction helped raise thousands of dollars for Charleston Animal Society’s lifesaving mission. BELOW: The crowd danced the night away to the old-school tunes of “First Class Band.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Ron Brinson and his wife Peggy hold Lilly as Charleston Animal Society Board Member Cara Bibbiani tells how Lilly was saved by the Animal Society after having her jaw and eye socket broken. Gala Chairwoman Gerri Greenwood shared the stage with Pico, a rescued dog featured during the evening. State Rep. Leon Stavrinakis (center) was in attendance with Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore (L) and Board Member Hank Greer (R). The “Havana Nights” theme inspired more than 550 guests to step out in style at the Gala.