Animal shelter fundraiser features unique ladies’ head gear while breaking financial and attendance records

Fancy hats were in fashion at the animal shelter luncheon. Mary Powers and Carol Barr, both of Rockland, hosted two tables of Warren County ladies showing off their fashionable head gear. Photos by Neville Barr.

The Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC) continued its upward trajectory at its second-largest annual fundraiser last weekend, attracting a record crowd to its “Barks & Bags” auction and luncheon, and quite possibly attaining, or surpassing, its goal of  $20,000 to support Front Royal’s Julia Wagner Animal Shelter.

One hundred and seventy one women packed the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club ballroom Friday afternoon, many bidding on handbags and purses and whatever else local ladies tote around with them, in a spirited auction led by Front Royal limousine driver Michael Williams.

Two of the many tables, as in the past, were notable by the ladies’ hats. The ladies resembled diners at a Kentucky Derby horse race or a garden party group at Buckingham Palace. Mary Powers and Carol Barr again organized the two “hat” tables to gain more attention for the event – and doubtless to show off even more imaginative head gear this year over last.

Carol Barr dissembled. “No,” she said, “it’s all for the animals, and to help our newly energized board of directors and our new shelter director who are doing wonderful jobs, along with the many volunteers. This is a great year for everyone, particularly the dogs, cats and other animals waiting for homes in the shelter.” While the $75 luncheon fees helped a lot toward the $20,000 target, Williams’ spirited auction efforts brought forth many bids, some of them as high as $650.

HSWC president Ellen Aders and member Jean Plauger organized the three-hour event. Blake Pierpont was the wine sponsor. Lavenda Denney, a former Julia Wagner shelter executive director, now serving in a similar capacity in Winchester, returned to attend the fund raiser she originally launched almost a decade ago. Shelter executive Meghan Bowers, in her fourth month on the job, said after the lunch that she’d “never seen anything quite like it!”

“Everyone was having a great time and were very generous,” Bowers said, adding, “This enthusiasm helps both me and the shelter staff to give their all to their jobs with the animals.” She identified her shelter manager, Kayla Wines, and a trio of staff members, Sue Wagoner, Katie Kurzenknabe, and Erica Mills, for special thanks. The foursome helped by staffing the luncheon, not an insignificant task given the sellout crowd.

Bowers announced among future events a Rabies Clinic at the animal shelter on Progress Avenue May 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost of a shot is $15. And in August, a resumption of the popular “Waggin’ for Dragons” boat race on the Shenandoah River.

HSWC will announce its profit from “Barks & Bags” after all monies are counted and bills paid.