Humane Association sponsors annual silent auction fundraiser

The Monroe County Humane Association will sponsor its annual spring benefit Friday at KRC Catering to further advocate and support animal welfare.

This particular benefit is the association’s largest fundraiser, and tickets have sold out each of the three years the association has implemented the benefit, said Sarah Hayes, CEO of the humane association.

Each year, the association chooses different themes to enhance the overall atmosphere for the guests, and Hayes said attendance is more than 200. This year, the benefit is titled “Hollywoof,” incorporating a glamorous, Hollywood star premise.

“A red carpet will be laid out for the guests to walk on, and we also have a professional photographer that will be taking their picture, similar to the paparazzi,” Hayes said. “The guests will be able to take the picture home as a memento of the night.”

The annual silent and live auction will serve as entertainment throughout the evening. The funds raised will go toward the association. Silent auction items this year come in a wide variety to satisfy guests with all different interests, Hayes said.

“The silent auction items are donated by local businesses,” Hayes said. “We will have everything from spa gift certificates and various items for your pets to sports memorabilia and even swing dance lessons.”

Live auction items include an original Joan Crawford autographed item, Hayes said. Two guests could also win an evening with critically acclaimed opera singer and Jacobs School of Music faculty member Sylvia McNair, who will accompany the guests to dinner and to an opera in which she will perform.

As the silent auction items are bid on throughout the evening, a professional impersonator will be assuming the characters of current and past Hollywood stars.

As the night carries on, guests will enjoy a vegetarian- and vegan-catered dinner prepared by The Cake & The Caterer. Following dinner, desserts donated by Oliver Winery will be offered.

“This benefit sells out every year, so if you want tickets, you should buy them as soon as possible,” Hayes said. “They are available at our Web site. Guests come from all over the local Bloomington and Indianapolis area.”