Community Corner

Bark and Boogie Ball Needs a Few More Waggin' Tails

The Humane Society of Forsyth County is getting ready for its largest fundraiser of the year.

The biggest fundraiser of the year for the Humane Society of Forsyth County (HSFC) is set for Saturday night and it's sure to be a tail waggin' event.

The 2012 Bark and Boogie Ball extravaganza, now in its eighth year, offers those attending the event lively music, delicious food, libations, a long list of items to bid on in the silent auction and a "Top Dog Raffle."

"It's just a lot of good things to celebrate the rescue of animals in Forsyth County and to help us raise money for them," said HSFC President Lance White. "It's our single largest fundraiser that we do for the year and it is one that people always look forward to."

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As of Oct. 12, about 30 tables have been sold, that's down about 20 tables. White said they are hoping to attract 500 people, but are "a little shy on our numbers."

"I'm not sure if it's because of the economy," said White.

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While many people have been hit hard by the unstable economy, so has the Humane Society of Forsyth County. White said they've seen more animals at the adoption center this year due to a lot of people losing their homes, jobs or moving away from the area.

"So it's been a really stressful year on rescue," he said.

But there is good news - to date the HSFC has saved more than 1,000 dogs and cats, and by the end of the year they expect that number to be around 1,300.

The HSFC relies heavily on sponsorship to bring the Bark and Boogie Ball to the community. White said because of that support they have already made "their break even point," which leaves the money raised through ticket purchases, silent auction and raffle all going to the organization to help the animals.

"Anything we make from here on out is basically profit to us and 100 percent of that will go to the Humane Society," said White.

If you are going to the ball you can expect to enjoy delicious food provided by Chef Kern, live music from two bands [Big Band Atlanta and Band X], a raffle to win a refurbished and customized 2008 golf cart, and a silent auction with items worth about $160,000 in retail value, including jewelry and a trip to Costa Rica.

"Last year we were able to gross for the ball $73,000 after everything was paid," he said. "That's what went back to the Humane Society."

The 2012 Bark and Boogie Ball is Saturday, Oct. 20 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Tech in Cumming.

You can purchase your tickets by calling Debbie Booth at 404-202-3077 or visit Lance's Jewelry located at 705 Market Place Boulevard. Tables of 10 seats are $800 and individual seats are $90.

Visit the Bark and Boogie website for more information.


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