It began in January with some friends off to the Carlyle
Café in New York to see a family member perform. Two of those travelers happened
to be on a FOTAS committee working feverishly to raise the money needed to
“Fit, Furnish and Finish” the new Aiken County Animal Shelter.
The “family member” performing was none other than Broadway
star, Howard McGillin, best known for his record setting performance in the
title role of “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Somewhere in that journey north, the idea emerged to ask Howard to come
to Aiken and perform for a private fund-raiser for the shelter.
Not only did Howard agree, but he brought his longtime
friend and award-winning composer, Joseph Thalken, to accompany him on the
piano.
As the event took shape and the guest list was assembled, the
evening expanded to honor some of FOTAS’ most dedicated volunteers and
supporters. Invitees were offered the
opportunity to send pictures of their pets.
A slide presentation incorporated these very personal examples of why we
do what we do to support the FOTAS mission.
The slide presentation also educated the audience with
visual evidence of the dire conditions at the current shelter. Prior to the music, Committee Chair, Joanna
Dunn Samson, showed the rusted vents, the peeling paint, the overcrowded cages,
but even more critical, the facility’s inability to quarantine sick animals in
its open floor plan with open-trench sewage drains running past all the
pens.
The watercolor elevations of the new shelter design lifted
spirits and set the stage for the show.
Howard’s performance consisted of eleven show tunes interspersed with
delightful anecdotes about singing for the Queen Mother in London and being
flown on a private jet to sing for a private party by Donald Trump. Howard
McGillin gave the audience multiple excuses for rousing applause. He is a master of his craft.
In addition to the performance, the evening included a
cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, a sumptuous buffet dinner, wine and endless
desserts. Much of the cost was either
donated or discounted and FOTAS wants to add their heartfelt appreciation to: Joanna and David Samson,
Richard Samson,
Alexandra S. Thomas, Stoplight Catering, All-Star Rentals, Diaggio-Guinness Distributers, Jo Mayer, David Trachtenberg and
especially Howard
McGillin and Joseph Thalken.
A special shout out goes to Tom Bossard. As Joanna's "right hand man", he handled himself with grace and generosity. He took care of all the food and rental arrangements, set up for the party and worked out the invitations and programs with her. He also picked up and used his decorating skills to arrange incredibly stunning center pieces for the tables. The ultimate partner and typical FOTAS volunteer, he never asked for anything; he never complained. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful volunteers who give so much of themselves each day!
A special shout out goes to Tom Bossard. As Joanna's "right hand man", he handled himself with grace and generosity. He took care of all the food and rental arrangements, set up for the party and worked out the invitations and programs with her. He also picked up and used his decorating skills to arrange incredibly stunning center pieces for the tables. The ultimate partner and typical FOTAS volunteer, he never asked for anything; he never complained. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful volunteers who give so much of themselves each day!
Not everyone can recruit a Broadway star to help raise the
money we need to “Fit, Furnish & Finish” our community shelter, but there
are many ways we all can contribute. There
are adult and children’s “Giving Parties,”
the Girl Scout help, golf tournaments by golfers, silent auctions and
equestrian events, and, of course, Woofstock, to name a few.
The magic is in just thinking of a way to help and then just doing
it.
FOTAS Volunteers work with the AIKEN COUNTY
ANIMAL SHELTER, 411 Wire Road. For more
information, contact “info@fotasaiken.org” or visit FOTAS on line at www.fotasaiken.org
Aiken County Animal Shelter: “By the Numbers”
March 26th thru 31st
Received: 32 dogs and 7 cats
Adopted: 3 dogs and 3 cats
Euthanized: 21 dogs and 11 cats
Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week!”
 |
MIMI - 11 months . She
is a lovely hound with energy and heart!
Only $70
 |
ARA – Young adult Siamese mix. Bright eyes, bright mind. Only $35!
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Your comments and input are always welcome. We appreciate any suggestions or thoughts that will help FOTAS with their goal to help the Aiken County Animal Shelter become a happy, healthy place that never has to euthanize an adoptable pet.