PORT ANGELES — Olympic Peninsula Humane Society’s sixth annual Meowgaritas and Mutts saw a turnout of nearly 400 and a boost of more than $200,000 for the nonprofit program — the largest-grossing event since its inception.
Those in attendance at the April 28 event bid on live and silent auction items, as well as a Fund-a-Need request to help construct a new barn.
“We are thrilled that the community came together to support OPHS and more than 1,500 animals that come through our doors every year,” said Luanne Hinkle, the Human Society’s executive director.
“Because of our donors, these animals receive the second chance they deserve through rescue, rehabilitation and adoption.”
About two years ago, OPHS relocated to its 9.5-acre property at 1743 Old Olympic Highway between Port Angeles and Sequim.
It has completed a $1.6 million build-out project that included a state-of-the-art Bark House and remodel of three modular buildings, all of which are now debt-free.
“This is a very generous and caring community,” Hinkle said. “I am particularly excited that our Fund-a-Need campaign for the completion of a new barn was fully funded at our event.
“This will ensure we can operate smoothly when we are ready to move ahead on plans for a new, large-scale building to house cats, administration and vet services under one roof.”
Plans for the barn also will allow for additional services such as dog training and public events, housing of larger animals such as a horse in need and a hub for emergency considerations in the event of a fire, earthquake, or flood.
Bill Koenig Jr. of Koenig Subaru presented a check for $17,724 as a result of Subaru’s “Share the Love” campaign which allows individuals who purchased new or leased Subaru vehicles to select their favorite charity to receive a $250 donation between Nov. 16, 2017, and Jan. 2, 2018.
Next year’s Meowgaritas and Mutts event will be April 27 at the Vern Burton Community Center. Hinkle suggests interested parties make reservations early, as this year’s event was completely sold out nearly three weeks in advance.
For more than 70 years, the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society has maintained an active presence in the communities of Sequim, Port Angeles and surrounding areas. The society — a private, nonprofit corporation — shelters and cares for animals of all types and is financed primarily by private donations and gifts. No animals are turned away and annually about 1,500 to 2,000 animals pass through the doors of the facility.
For information, call 360 457-8206 or visit www.ophumanesociety.org.
