ESTEVAN - The Estevan Humane Society is pleased with the support shown for its annual Whiskers and Wine Gala.
The fundraiser was held Saturday night at the Estevan Exhibition Association’s building. Nearly 150 people attended, which was close to the 184 people that they could handle. President Tayja Lakusta said they had a diverse group of supporters who had a good time.
“I’d say it was a success, and we can only get better every year,” said Lakusta. “We’re glad that we could do it in person again. It was nice to get out and see everybody and go back to what it was like.”
Last year’s gala had to be held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The meal was catered by EB’s Dining. Lakusta said the business has provided the meal since the first gala a few years ago, and they always receive favourable reviews.
Spencer Vaughn, who hails from Estevan and now resides in Edmonton, was the opening act. Featured band Crossroads played well into the night.
Lakusta was really pleased with the entertainment.
“I think a lot of people were enjoying the music. We didn’t hear any complaints. People stayed … until midnight … listening to them all night. So, they must have been enjoying themselves. I thought they did really good.”
Spencer Vaughn played a good mix of his own music and covers of other musicians. Crossroads had a good mixture of music.
“They’re never a disappointment when you get to see them live,” said Lakusta.
A handful of people dropped by later in the night to take in the music and support the humane society.
Live and silent auctions were also part of the event. For the live auction, there was a quilt donated by Angela Denys with Gypsy Soul Fabrics.
“She does one every year for us, and it’s usually a hot seller. People usually love the quilt that she does because they’re beautifully done,” said Lakusta.
Red Hawk Well Servicing provided 25 yards of gravel, which attracted a lot of interest, and there was a camping weekend package, with a bunch of companies coming together to provide a fun weekend for the purchasers.
Lakusta was impressed with the support of the donors and the quality of the items that people donated.
She didn’t have an estimate for how much money was raised, but the gala typically fetches around $10,000-$12,000 for the humane society's shelter, and she expects net proceeds to be in that range again.
“We’re just excited and glad that everybody was ready to come out and … see people and donate and enjoy a great night for a great cause,” said Lakusta.
A lot of volunteers helped out before, during and after the event.
The humane society has projects that are underway. The organization is renovating one of its two dog rooms to convert it into a second cat room. It would double the amount of space it has available for cats. Then it will need to renovate its other dog room.
“The kennels are starting to show their age, and then we want to add a couple of kennel spaces so that we’re not losing… availability for bringing dogs in or having extra dogs at the shelter,” said Lakusta.
