Jan. 31, 2007 – Lots of events are going on in February, but none is likely to be more elegant and exciting than this year's annual Humane Society of St. Thomas Valentine's Day Ball on Feb. 10 at Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort.
Though the event, known for years affectionately as the "Doggie Ball," promises to be festive and fun, its underlying purpose is serious: to support the community's thousands of unwanted, abandoned and stray animals.
To this end, the society broke ground on its Animal Care Campus last June (See "Humane Society Groundbreaking Marked by Jubilation").
Susan Chandler, society capital campaign manager, said Wednesday, "We've added some spice to the event this year that I'm sure will be well received."
Though she wouldn't name the specific "spice," Chandler did comment on this year's decor, which will be by Mario Dennis of Liberated Lotus design studio.
"If you know Mario's work," Chandler said, "it will be a real treat, from the fabrics he will use to the creative use of lighted balloons. It will be an exciting backdrop for our silent auction tables."
Chandler didn't have all the silent auction items at hand, but she did have a list of high-end donated items for the raffle. They include a $3,000 diamond-and-sapphire bracelet from Cardow Jewelers; a Caribbean cruise for two from the West Indian Co.; a one-night stay at Caneel Bay Resort on St. John with a dinner for two at Asolare Restaurant; and a his-and-her day at Mahogany Run – golf for him, and a Touch of Wellness massage for her, followed by a dinner for two at Banana Tree Grille.
Chandler said, "This year's donations have exceeded our wildest dreams and hit all records. We are selling raffle tickets in advance, especially for those who may not be able to attend the ball. They are $5 each or a book of five for $20." They may be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce downtown, or at the society's Nadir shelter.
The ball is traditionally the society's biggest fund-raiser of the year. Last year's ball had its highest take ever. Former Society Executive Director Joe Elmore said the 2006 ball netted about $100,000, with close to 600 attending.
This year's affair begins with cocktails at 7 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing at 8 p.m. Chandler said music has been "very generously" donated by the TNT band, with Tahra Richardson and Tom Hightree.
Individual tickets are $150 and may be purchased at the society's Nadir animal shelter, the Chamber of Commerce, Home Again in Red Hook Plaza or Soft Touch Boutique at Port of Sale Mall.
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