Baark (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) raised over $40,000 at their Havana Nights themed 5-year Anniversary Party on Saturday May 10th at The Humidor, Graycliff.
With help from Cacique International and Brass Monkey Light and Sound, the patio area was transformed into a spectacular alfresco Cuban nightclub with Latin music and dancing that energized guests.
While enjoying mojitos and cigars, attendees had the chance to bid on over 20 silent auction packages donated by local businesses. Some of the items were so popular we were happy to sell two, including ‘Paws Up’ an original painting donated by local artist Elkino Dames.
GalaGal’ Jenelle Taylor led a spirited live auction as bidders raised their ‘doggy paddles’ for fantastic prizes. Hot ticket items included a beautiful Potcake puppy portrait donated by Golden Wings Charter and a luxury weekend for two at Kamalame Cay Private Island Resort, which sold for $3,000. Baark! also showed a heartwarming but celebratory video highlighting their 5 year achievements for ‘fund a need’ which raised over $7,000 from generous donors and supporters.
Following the auction, party-goers were treated to two spectacular dance performances by 8 local dancers who had generously donated their time free of charge for the event. Enthusiastic guests then joined in a live salsa dance demonstration and dancing continued on late into the night.
The event was presented by Odyssey Aviation and sponsored by local companies Think Simple, Graham Real Estate, Purina Pro Plan and Micronet.
Odyssey Aviation congratulated Baark! “Once again, your event was an outstanding evening, very well done! We have always been honored to support Baark! Possibly the most ‘hands on’ organization in the country, operated entirely by passionate volunteers so all the donation contributions go to the cause. The energy and enthusiasm is relentless, working all year round to educate, spay and neuter throughout the islands, we thank each and every volunteer for the continued hard work”
All proceeds from the night will go to Baark’s spay/neuter and education programs. Event director Sarah Kennedy added ‘since forming in 2009, Baark! has provided 3,035 free or subsidized spay/neuters preventing the births of thousands of unwanted animals.
The evening was a great chance for our supporters to have fun whilst helping raise money and continue our work to create cleaner, healthier and safer communities all over the Bahamas.’
More information about Baark can be found on their website www.baarkbahamas.org.
Photos: Ronnie Archer
