Three is a Charm at the FOTAS Hunter Pace

It was the third year that Three Runs Plantation donated its magnificent equestrian amenities to host the FOTAS Hunter Pace 2012, and the turnout by the event’s 100+ riders was surpassed only by the 111 local businesses who donated to our first Hunter Pace Silent Auction, and the Red Pepper Grill’s ability to put out a delicious lunch for 250 people, and Nanci’s Cedar Creek neighbors who delivered 250 gorgeous cupcakes for dessert to her porch.

“It is just amazing how a community can give,” said Edie, FOTAS Chairwoman of the Silent Auction, “And it is not easy in this economic climate.  Businesses are hurting.”

True enough, but random acts of generosity must ease the pain, because 111 contributions were assembled into 79 auction items by a remarkable team of four women, all from the Cedar Creek community. 

Two Sandras, Janet and Edie began in late October with a list, divided among them, of where to solicit in the area.  But by early November their “Let’s go do this,” was replaced by “How are we going to do this?” Then a couple of things turned the project around. 

 One of the Sandras is part of a team of Cedar Creek volunteers, the heart of the County Shelter Volunteers Program, who work with the dogs and puppies four days a week.  Sandra is driven by the first-hand experience with the Shelter’s heart wrenching need. 

“She’d go back again and again and whine,” Edie said with clear admiration for Sandra’s tenacity.  The donations started rolling in.

Then a local estate planner offered a complete estate planning package worth about $2,000. “That was when I started to think more positively,” she said.

There was the business owner on the phone who launched into a tirade about how the county shelter had cost him a dog, then turned around and donated a beautiful table fan.  At another site, a patron of the business being solicited heard the pitch and reached into her pocket offering the eight dollars and change she had with apologies that she couldn’t afford more.

With the holidays upon her, Edie cleared auction items from her dining room table to serve 16 people for Thanksgiving, and again and more for Christmas, then lay awake nights worrying about the auction’s presentation.

The Cedar Creek Property Owners Association was to loan six tables that turned into ten.  And when the question arose as to how to display the artwork donated, someone suggested the Aiken Historical Museum, and the Museum came through with the screens for the display.

“Presentation is everything,” Edie says, and took responsibility for the artful bid sheets and the resourceful displays, often using tissue covered Clementine crates to elevate items.

The Silent Auction made thousands of dollars for our County Shelter.  The Hunter Pace and luncheon made thousands more.  And to make the occasion even more perfect, FOTAS volunteers helped 6 dogs and 3 cats get adopted at Petsmart and at the Shelter.  What a great day for our community shelter!  

 

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”

For Jan. 2nd thru 8th  2012

Received: 38 dogs and 14 cats

Adoptions: 13 dogs and 2 cats

Euthanized: 21 dogs and 23 cats

Compare to Same Week 2011

Received: 66 dogs and 43 cats

Adoptions: 10 dogs and 0 cats

Euthanized: 33 dogs and 30 cats

MIA – 3 yr old spayed female tabby

A cuddler with an endearing purr.   

$35 includes shots, spay, microchip.

Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week” 

SHADY  – 2-yr-old pit-mix.   

This lovable guy will help you meet people everywhere you go!  

 He’s a charmer.

$70 includes shots, neuter, microchip.