Countdown to CCAS’ annual on-line auction | Fundraiser supports animal shelter’s lifesaving efforts
Get ready to place your bids in a goodie-stuffed fundraiser that benefits Cape Coral animals in need.
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter’s fifth annual Online Auction beings Aug. 17 and runs through Aug. 21. As the shelter’s largest yearly fundraiser, CCAS officials said the event raises critical funds to support the care, medical treatment, enrichment, and adoption of homeless animals throughout Southwest Florida.
“We are so excited about this year’s online auction,” said CCAS Executive Director Liz McCauley. “Every year it gets bigger and better, and this year is no exception. With more than 600 items and packages available for bidding, there really is something for everyone. We have everything from incredible experiences, including African safaris and overnight stays at some of our best local resorts, to beautiful artwork, pet supplies, luxurious spa retreats, and handcrafted, one-of-a-kind treasures. We’ve also put together some special packages, like our ‘Pine Island Experience.’ Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, a little pampering, a unique gift, or just something fun and unexpected, there are so many great things to discover in this year’s auction.”
After a record-breaking year in which the online auction raised more than $65,000, the shelter is looking to continue to break records in 2026. The auction is one of the shelter’s most important fundraising efforts, with every dollar directly benefiting the animals in its care. There are items up for bid that cover interests for all walks of life and budget.
The auction goes live on Monday, Aug. 17, at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. on the 21st.
“Every dollar raised through the auction will go directly toward caring for the animals who need us most,” McCauley said. “Right now, some of our greatest needs are providing around-the-clock care for neonatal kittens, supporting moms nursing puppies, and treating the many animals who come to us with serious medical needs. Veterinary costs continue to rise, and many of the animals entering our shelter require much more than routine care before they are ready for adoption. Because every auction item is generously donated, the funds raised can go directly toward food, medical treatment, medications, supplies and the specialized care these animals need. Fundraisers like this truly make the difference between what we hope we can do and what we are actually able to do–and ultimately, they allow us to save more lives.”
CCAS has also officially announced the launch of Phase II of its expansion project in Fall 2026, allowing CCAS to save even more lives throughout our community.
This expansion includes:
• A new 19,000-square-foot shelter facility
• 50 additional dog kennels and 8 spacious cat condos
• A complete renovation of the current building to expand the low-cost veterinary clinic, helping hundreds more pets and families every month.
Winning bidders will be contacted at the close of the auction to arrange item pick-up details, including date, time and location. Shipping costs for items requiring shipment will be the responsibility of the winning bidder.
Each auction item was donated by local individuals and businesses, with McCauley sharing a sentiment of thanks.
“Our community is so very generous and we are very grateful,” she said. “We also have an incredible auction committee of volunteers and a few staff members that not only solicit and collect the items, but organize, store, take photos, enter items into our auction software, and distribute to the winners. It is a huge undertaking on the back end, but we love it because the auction is fun and we just love watching the bidding that takes place Monday through the very last minutes of the auction on Friday. It’s really exciting.”
Since opening its doors in 2020, the CCAS has helped more than 6,400 animals find homes and continues its mission of providing shelter, medical care and second chances to animals in need.
“Community support through events like our Online Auction makes this lifesaving work possible,” CCAS officials stated.
For information on the auction and to bid, visit capecoralanimalshelter.com/online-auction/.
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter is at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave.