An online auction that benefits local shelter animals launched today and runs until Aug. 21.

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter’s first online auction runs this week where the highest bidder can click their way to a great prize while, in turn, helping the Cape’s four-legged friends.

“We have everything from exquisite jewelry, fine wine, and travel items to beautiful artwork from local artists and, of course, pet-themed items” said Liz McCauley, executive director of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter.

CCAS officials said the current economic climate and still-recovering efforts from the pandemic have curbed fundraising for non-profit organizations such as themselves. They said they have had to think outside the box when it comes to events and this online auction is one of those creations.

“Our first two years of operation were exceptionally challenging for fundraising due to COVID and now the economic downturn,” McCauley said. “We are constantly reinventing the way we’ve always done things to continue to raise enough money to care for our animals. We hope this community will enjoy the auction and continue to support our mission.”

Donated items will be shown online, and supporters will have the opportunity to bid on various items through a secure online platform. The highest bid at midnight on the Aug. 21 wins the item.

“Many generous local businesses and individuals came forward to help the animal shelter, and some of the auction items are just incredible,” CCAS officials stated.

McCauley added, “Some of my favorite auction items feature experience packages from local attractions such as Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Tarpon Point, Downtown Fort Myers, and Pine Island.”

There are handcrafted one-of-a-kind treasures, spa packages, and unique getaways–all available for you to bid on from your computer or your phone. The bidding platform allows you to search by category. All proceeds from this virtual fundraiser will go to assist the Cape Coral Animal Shelter in caring for the 100 plus animals in their care daily.

To become a bidder, click “https://capecoralanimalshelter.com/online-auction/”>https://capecoralanimalshelter.com/online-auction/ and fill out the bidder registration form and hit submit. Registrants will receive a confirmation via email with their bidder number (check spam folder if not received). CCAS is using “Network for Good Auctions,” a mobile auction fundraising platform for non-profits. Using your own phone, you can bid and receive outbid notifications, keep track of what you’ve bid on, and pay for items you’ve won using bidder self-checkout.

Officials said the online auction will go a long way in achieving their goal of starting their expansion early next year. This will include a 14,000-square-foot shelter which will give CCAS an additional 40 dog kennels and eight cat condos, allowing them to save hundreds of more lives in the years to come. This project will also include a remodel of their existing building to expand clinic operations and providing low-cost veterinary services.

Since opening in March of 2020, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter has found loving, forever homes for 2,700 unwanted and abandoned animals, and its low-cost clinic provides full services to over 5,000 clients and their pets.

CCAS is at 325 Southwest 2nd Ave.

–Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj