Bow Wow Bash a Blast
To capture the triumph of the Gulf County Humane Society's latest fundraiser, we invoke the lyrics of rapper Snoop Dogg.
Bow wow wow yippie yo yippie yay.
The Paws in the Park/Bow Wow Bash, held Sept. 27 at Port St. Joe's Centennial Park, raised nearly $60,000, which will help the society pay for its mortgage, medical bills, spay/neuter services and general expenses.
$10,000 of the proceeds came from an unlikely source.
Meg, a black and white Pointer mix, donated her winnings in the Bow Wow Bash's $10,000 grand prize cash raffle.
Meg, who was born with a deformed hind leg, spent a year in the Humane Society's care before being adopted by a caring couple two years ago.
After undergoing a complicated leg operation performed by a Birmingham veterinarian, Meg is now thriving.
She donated the prize money back to the Humane Society as a thank-you for the loving treatment she received during her stay in the facility.
Half of Meg's $10,000 donation will benefit the Humane Society's spay/neuter campaign.
Meg's gracious gesture highlighted a fun-filled day of activities in and around the Centennial building, which began with a 5K walk/run on a certified course.
Though many participants opted to take a leisurely stroll with their favorite pooch, some runners came to win.
Eastpoint veterinarian Hobson Fulmer took the top prize, finishing in just under 20 minutes. (For complete race results, see sidebar.)
Following the race, attendees perused a variety of outdoor arts and crafts booths and observed a demonstration by the Gulf County Sheriff's office K9 Unit.
Not to be left out of the proceedings, man's best friend participated in a variety of pet-interactive events.
There was also plenty of food to go around, with the South Gulf Volunteer Fire Department serving up tasty Boston butt sandwiches.
In the evening, some 200 adults left their pets at home and slipped into their finery for the Bow Wow Bash, held in the Centennial Building.
The Smackwater Retrievers, a blues and jazz band from the Eastpoint area, entertained guests as they placed their bids in the live and silent auctions.
Auction items ranged from framed photographs and hand-made necklaces to complementary stays in area condos.
Five lucky winners received $1,000 in the night's cash raffle: Andy Zierkelbach of Boulder, CO, and area residents Theresa Hunter, Christine Husband, Carla O'Dell and Jesse Bullock.
Bullock, who pledged to donate 10 percent of his winnings upon entering the raffle, remained true to his word.
On the Monday following the raffle, he arrived at the Humane Society, checkbook in hand.
Sandi Christy, co-chair of the sponsorship committee, said the fundraiser exceeded expectations.
"It was a successful event. People have been telling me they had a great time," she said.
Only one auction item was not snapped up at the Bow Wow Bash, a 2000 Sportsman Camper trailer with hookup.
The trailer, which will run between $6,500-10,000, is currently on consignment at RV Connections in Panama City.
Those interested in purchasing the trailer (funds will benefit the Humane Society), may contact Bill Cockrell at 850-763-6910.
