Starlight auction reaches lofty goal
ARC’s 30th annual fundraiser expected to exceed hoped-for $300,000 tally
For the 30th anniversary of the Animal Refuge Center’s Starlight Auction at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort on Saturday, the goal was set to raise $300,000.
That’s roughly 30 percent of what’s needed to support ARC. Some thought that goal was a bit high, as it would set a record for the event by quite a bit. Well, never underestimate these animal lovers.
Though the numbers weren’t available as of Monday morning, it is believed the Starlight Auction reached its goal by plenty, in large part due to the $167,000 in cash donations, with the first $65,000 matched by two anonymous donors.
The event also raised $21,000 from the nearly 140 silent auction items, with the rest coming from sponsorships, ticket sales and the items sold at the live auction.
ARC Vice President Rob Spicker said he was confident they would achieve their goal at their signature fundraiser because of the plethora of items being sold.
“We have 200 people bidding on 20 beautiful items. We have Caribbean vacations, a $27,000 necklace and I hope it’s something our audience lays their eyes on and want to support our mission,” Spicker said. “This night supports the ARC mission the most.”
The event has come a long way from its humble beginnings, like ARC itself. Among those who remember is Jennifer Nichols, who started as a volunteer during ARC’s infancy.
Today, she and her husband Dave have been title sponsors for the auction for the last two years, which she has attended since the first one in 1995. She and Dave, a veterinarian, married in 2008.
“ARC has grown exponentially. The first auction we made $9,000 and we did all we could to keep the organization moving,” Nichols said. “This has become a professionally run organization and auction with the support of the community, which has been amazing.”
Among the other guests were some of the animals ARC is currently housing as well as dogs who have now found forever homes.
Michelle Larson brought her three-legged dog, Bjorn, for people to enjoy. Bjorn was hit by a car and brought to ARC. Larson offered to pay for the surgery, which resulted in an amputation, and take the dog as a foster, which she later adopted.
This can’t happen without ARC supporters. Angie McGilerey has been to the auction for the past decade and she and her husband have a passion for rescue animals and even has a foundation named after a “tripod” dog (a three-legged dog) they own.
“We have four dogs and our own charitable foundation Bella’s Heart where we give back to the community and it’s been a huge passion of ours,” McGilerey said. “We raised a lot of money last year, which we donated back to ARC. We have a good collaboration going.”
The expectation was for the donation part of the auction to raise $130,000, double the $65,000 matching grant. The fact it went more than $37,000 above that nearly assured the event would reach its lofty goal.
“I think we made it to our goal. Without a question,” ARC President Wayne Leinen said. “I appreciate everyone coming.”
ABOVE: Dave and Jennifer Nichols, title sponsors, during the 30th annual Animal Refuge Center’s Starlight Auction on Saturday at the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa.
LEFT: ARC vice president Rob Spicker conducts the auction.
CHUCK BALLARO