Bosque Animal Rescue Kennel “BARK” held their annual gala at The Bosque Arts Center last Saturday, February 18. The Hollywood themed night began by entering on a red carpet complete with rescue animal names printed on Hollywood stars as if walking down Hollywood Boulevard. Those in attendance were dressed to impress and ready to raise money for man’s best friends.
Read more: BARK goes Hollywood and raises 75K at annual fundraiserThe event began with a social hour filled with ballroom gowns, jackets and ties, completed with an open bar. As folks socialized, they walked around tables upon tables of donated items open for them to silently bid upon.
After social hour guests were seated at Hollywood star themed tables with photos of dogs available for adoption. The prime rib, chicken, mashed potatoes and green bean dinner provided by Rattlesnake Ballroom’s kitchen staff along with Rockin K & C BBQ and Catering was certainly fit for a star.
As people finished their dinner the silent auction items were awarded. Items from tools, decor, restaurant certificates, water fountains, edible treats, animal products and much more were donated from local businesses and individuals.
Meridian ISD’s Not So Jazz – Jazz Band led by Band Director Daniel Yguerabide performed several musical numbers such as Smooth-Santana, Hit the Road Jack-Ray Charles, Made You Look-Meghan Trainor, Long Train-Doobie Brothers, and more. Student performers were Ellie Baker (baritone), Caleb Cummings (drums), Dawson Cummings (trombone), Trent Pruitt (bass guitar), Hayden Cummings (trumpet), Noah Smith (trumpet) Jackson Bogenwright (saxophone), Brad Patterson (tenor Saxophone), Colby Cummings (alto Saxophone), and Meryn Roberson (flute).
BARK Vice President Jackie Murski awarded Cherie Rogers with the Legacy Award for her exceptional dedication to BARK. Murski also awarded the Friendship Award to Anita Grigsby, Dr. Martha O’Reilly, Olivia and Heidi Reinke, Gregg and Nancy Wilkenson, and John Maxwell. Murski herself was awarded for her long and extensive dedication to not only animal rescues but the entire organization.
A live auction began with auctioneer team Todd and Talon Clift to keep the donations going. Items such as a custom Bellamy Brothers autographed guitar, a genuine whiskey barrel, cowboys tickets, rangers tickets, fishing and hunting trips, and weekend getaways among others were auctioned off to get to their target goal of $75,000.
When the auction items fell short of the goal an anonymous donor agreed to match anything raised in personal donations. That seemed to energize the crowd and donations came in from all over the room to hit their target.
Bark President Laura Bush spoke about the growth of the kennel’s impressive 20 years of operation and all donations go directly towards their daily operating funds as well as a much-needed expansion to their location. Over time BARK has been able financially break down the cost per dog and create a plan which allows for them to save for emergencies and continued growth. Bush reminded everyone the operations consist of more than shelter, food and water. Utilities, medication, toys, and so much more go into running an animal shelter. Bush commended the staff and volunteers for their dedication ensuring each animal interacts with people and animals to make them as adoptable as possible. Animals are even given special toys that perk their interest, Bush added.
If you missed the event and wish to donate, you can reach BARK at www.barkrescue.org, on Facebook “BARK Community Outreach,” by phone at (254)675-1954, or stop by and see them at 4340 Highway 6 in Clifton.
