CLEARLAKE OAKS ? A whole lot of shakin” was going on at the Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks Friday. Animal Coalition of Lake County (ACLC) hosted a rip-roarin” event that barked of success from every angle.
“August Moon Ball” enjoyed sold-out attendance with animal lovers and advocates from around the county converging in benefit of the area”s voiceless critters. The event featured a silent auction, raffle, dinner, live music and a classic car show.
ACLC President Rita Doyle commended all those in attendance for contributing to the success of the ACLC”s spay and neuter program, which she said was responsible for 1,500 pet alterations in the past year and four months. “It would be nice to one day say ?We don”t need animal control. We have it under control,”” Doyle said.
Proceeds totaling $9,000 will go directly toward ACLC”s senior and low-income spay and neutering program without deductions for overhead costs thanks to the generosity of two local proprietors. Dave Moses, of Alternative Solutions was recognized for monetary contributions that covered the costs of the venue as well as the band. Dennis Darling, of Foods, Etc. was equally thanked for providing the chicken that fed the sold-out crowd.
Friday”s event was five hours of non-stop entertainment. The Moose Lodge was transformed into a sock hop hall with period decoration including a lighted star-shaped ornament featuring the familiar face of “Leave it to Beaver” brother Wally Cleaver. “Twice as Good” belted out favorite tunes from the ?50s and ?60s while a lady in a red poodle skirt, bobby socks and a ponytail helped keep the dance floor loaded throughout the entire evening. Between favorite oldies but goodies, guests caught their breath indulging the silent auction, which featured a mass of glorious prizes. It seemed no bid went unchallenged with auction participants battling it out for magnificent prizes such as a wooden-framed pet bed, vacation getaways and golf accommodations, local wines, automotive goods, exquisite jewelry for men and women and gift baskets featuring an assortment of goodies from candles, desserts and pet supplies to a basket overloaded with Marilyn Monroe memorabilia.
Raffle prizes evenly compared, but nothing was more sought after than the evening”s door prize. Patrick Townsend, of Clearlake, was the lucky winner of the men”s gold and diamond ring appraised at $1,400. All jewelry appraisals were provided by William”s Jewelry.
The classic car show featured several beautifully painted and crafted rods owned by Vic Langlais, whose wife Kathy was instrumental in coordinating the event. The car show also featured Jack McMannus” 1941 Cadillac convertible, which earned him Best of Show in the ninth annual “Show and Shine Car Show” on July 4 in Clearlake.
Doyle offered thankful recognitions for Kathy Crothers, of the SPCA; and Dr. Debra Sally, DVM and her office manger at Clearlake Veterinary Clinic, Yvonne Scott, who have offered significant support to ACLC operations. “(Yvonne) has the passion that almost makes you cry when you talk to her,” Doyle said.
Other pet advocates such as Nora Star, dog rescuer; and Animal Care and Control Officer Morgan Hermann and her husband Mike were also in attendance.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
