Tuxes and Tails - big benefit for the Seattle Humane Society

Wow. The generosity I saw last night was overwhelming. This is definitely an animal town (especially dogs - seems like everybody has one or two).
I've been volunteering at The Seattle Humane Society for several months now as a pet publicist on Friday afternoons. I take pictures of dogs that are available for adoption and put them on the Web site along with a description of the adorable little critter! When I heard about Tuxes and Tails, I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved.
Apparently, this is the 21st year for the event. I was told by another volunteer that the goal was to raise $800,000. Based on what I saw last night, I'm guessing we made it. First off, guests paid $150 per person just to be there. There had to be 500 people in that ballroom. I was working the silent auction, which had a lot of really cool stuff, most of which sold. It was funny, because I was the first bidder on two different restaurant certificates in the silent auction, and when I went back to see how I was faring, the same guy (Schuler) had put a line through and bid all the way to the bottom of the sheet to the max. I wanted to throttle him! However, I take credit for getting his juices going! Then, I REALLY wanted the three wine bottles signed by rock stars (one of which was signed by Mike McCready of Pearl Jam), so I kept creeping up until I was at $53 and on top at the moment. Came back maybe 15 minutes later, and some other dude took it all the way to the bottom of the sheet, too! So, I didn't get anything! Oh well, I bought a raffle ticket!
So, the people in attendance obviously have much more money than me, but I have to say, most of them were so nice and so happy to be there! They were getting their picture taken with dogs, drinking, eating and eventually bidding huge dollars. I was stunned when the cover of the 2011 Humane Society calendar went for $10,500 - in other words, the high bidder paid that to have his dog on the cover! Subsequent months went for anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000. Incredible. One guy just gave them $25,000 and got a huge round of applause, of course. I love the Seattle Humane Society and the work they - well, we - are doing. They are no kill, very, very clean and loving, and they take in dogs other shelters won't, such as injured dogs. They have vets on staff, trainers, groomers, and a foster program - it's just awesome. Amy, who is in charge of all things dog, often takes road trips to bring back dogs from puppy mills or hoarders in other states - many come from California, where they are just overwhelmed with over population. We've also rescued dogs from Eastern Washington.
I'm proud to be a part of it. I'll report in once I find out the total tally from last night, but I know it's going to be huge. Seattle loves it's critters!!!