In just three short weeks, some lucky someone in this area is going to be $10,000 richer.
That is, if he or she purchases a ticket for the Cash for Critters raffle benefitting the St. Joseph Bay Humane Society.
It's all part of the third annual Paws in the Park/Bow Wow Bash, organized by the Humane Society and its primary fundraiser.
Already on the fast track as one of the community's most-attended fundraisers, in just three short years the day-long and into-the-night event has raised a considerable portion of the Humane Society's operating budget, while offering people chances at unique prizes.
This year's Bash holds a bit more punch, in terms of prizes to be won.
Instead of raffling off a vintage car this year, as in the past two years, the Society will offer $10,000 in cold cash instead, along with five additional prizes of $1,000 each.
Tickets for both the grand prize and the additional $1,000 chances are $100 per ticket, all tax deductible, of course. The St. Joseph Bay Humane Society is a 501(c)3 organization.
The Society's goal is to sell 500 tickets before the drawing, which will be Sept. 27 at the Bow Wow Bash. People do not have to be present to win. At press time, tickets were still available.
According to Sandi Christy, one of the Society's board of directors, raffle tickets are available at:
- The Humane Society, 1007 Tenth Street, Port St. Joe;
- Faith's Thrift Hut, also at the Tenth Street address;
- Provisions on Williams Avenue, Port St. Joe;
- Bayside Savings Bank, Port St. Joe;
- Dockside Restaurant, Marina Drive, Port St. Joe;
- Loggerhead Grill, SR/CR30E, Cape San Blas;
Scallop Cove/BP, SR/CR30E, St. Joseph Peninsula; and
- from any of the Society's board of directors.
The family gathering which morphs into the adult night event begins at 8 a.m. ET on Sept. 27 with the very popular Paws in the Park 5K walk/run. Dogs and their people, or people alone, can participate on this year's certified course.
According to Christy, local glass artist Jan Sapte has designed, made and donated awards for the winners. The artist, who divides her time between Gulf County and her native England, has created glass plates with paw prints in them for each category in the race.
Set for reappearance between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET are the crowd favorites of Puppy Picasso (where canines can produce paw-print paintings for their people), the dog and owner look-alike contest, and the smartest tricks contest, among other events.
There will be a demonstration by the Gulf County Sheriff' s Office K9 Unit, booths with pet merchandise, and food everywhere. The Senior Citizens will be selling barbeque sandwiches to benefit Meals On Wheels, using the South Gulf Volunteer Fire Department's famous Boston Butt roasts.
The day's activities will be in Centennial Park, and the nighttime fun in the Centennial Building.
As the sun sets, the action will pick up with live entertainment from a regional blues band, soon to be named, Christy said. The popular silent and live auction will again wend through the evening's dining and dancing.
Tickets for the evening event are $30 each, or $250 for a table of 10. They are available at all of the outlets where raffle tickets are being sold. Provisions will cater the event.
"The businesses that can afford to help us this year during these very hard economic times have been very, very supportive," Christy said. "We still have items coming in for the auction, and we have been very well supported by the community."
Among the prizes for auction that have already been received are a digital telescope, an original oil painting by Sam Cates, and lots of artwork donated by local and regional artists.
One of the major auction items this year is a one-week stay at Gary and Sue Gibbs new log home.
Located on a mountain overlooking a waterfall, the newly completed 6,000 square foot house is also pet-friendly, Christy said.