Lending a paw

Article Photos

HOUGHTON - An NHL autographed jersey and a week's stay at Hilton Head are just a sneak peek at the goodies up for auction during the Copper Country Humane Society's annual Bash Bash Bash fundraiser event in August.

But before organizers start taking any bids, they're going to need a little help from the community.

"We're always looking for volunteers. If you would like to help out, you can call the shelter (487-9560)," said event co-chair Joan Petrelius. "I know people are real busy in the summer but it's so nice when you can."

The Copper Country Humane Society's (CCHS) Bash Bash Bash is in its third year, Petrelius said, and it's one of the organization's larger fundraisers. This year, the bash will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 14 at the CCHS in Houghton. Tent canopies will be set up in the parking area in front of the facility and will feature a live auction under the big top at 1 p.m.

"We'll be auctioning off all sorts of things - a week at a condo in Hilton Head, a Jeff Finger autographed Colorado Avalanche jersey, a rustic twig bench and a chainsaw statue carved out of wood," Petrelius listed. "There will also be gift certificates and beautiful handmade quilts."

A number of local organizations and businesses donate the items for the auction, Petrelius said.

"They are very generous," she said. "They donate a lot of things."

Themed baskets will also be raffled off.

"There's a 'Pamper Me' basket with items for ladies like hair care, massage and pedicure products," Petrelius said. "We have a 'Dog Lovers' basket, a 'Visit the Keweenaw' basket with thimbleberry jam and chow chow. So, there's something for everybody."

Tickets for the raffle are $1 each.

Volunteers will be serving up free hot dogs and lemonade during the bash. The CCHS will also feature a bake sale and CCHS T-shirts and sweatshirts will be for sale.

"There's just going to be all sorts of stuff to do. You can tour the shelter. There will be an adoption counselor present if you wish to adopt," Petrelius said. "The dogs come out and visit. It's just a good, fun, family event."

Last year's event was a "very good turnout," raising around $10,000, Petrelius said.

"It was fantastic. It really helps with our spay and neuter program," she said. "By and large the money that we raise goes toward the care of the animals and the spay and neuter program."

Funds raised also help with operational costs of the facility, Petrelius said.

"Our community is very supportive," she said.

Every year, the Einerlei in Chassell coordinates a pet photo contest in which all proceeds are donated to the CCHS.

Employee Becky Darling said they are accepting photo entries until July 31. The entry fee is $5 per photo.

"People enter from all over the country," she said. "Nancy and Bill have been strong supporters of the humane society over the years."

There is a $1 voting fee as well, Darling said, and voting will continue through the end of August. The top three winners will be announced Sept. 1.

Darling said any fundraising efforts for the CCHS is important because of the service the organization provides for the community.

"It's a wonderful organization. They've saved and placed a lot of animals in the Copper Country," she said. "It's a wonderful facility. I can't say enough about the dedicated volunteers at the humane society."

Petrelius said they are fortunate to have such a supportive community.

"It makes it possible for us to carry out our mission, which is to help dogs and cats and to help educate people on the importance of spaying and neutering," she said.

For more information, or to volunteer, call the CCHS at 487-9560.

Kelly Fosness can be reached at kfosness@mininggazette.com