GDHS Autumn Gala Invitation

by Lorraine Payette, written September 5, 2013

(GANANOQUE, ONTARIO) Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and enjoy a spirited auction to help raise money for a great cause. The Gananoque & District Humane Society (GDHS) is holding its fourth annual Autumn Dinner at 6:00 pm on Saturday, September 28, at the Christ Church Hall on Princess Street in Gananoque, and they’d love to see you there.

The evening starts at 6:00 pm with butler-style hors d’oeuvres (wine and beer available at the cash bar), followed by a four course autumn themed dinner to be served at 7:00.

A true feast for the senses, the meal will consist of garden salad greens with balsamic vinaigrette; roasted breast of chicken Ballotine with a mushroom-wine sauce (vegetarian option: stuffed bell pepper with a rice and bean medley); roasted Parisienne potatoes with carrots, broccoli and cauliflower; butter-pecan fudge cake with a chocolate coulis; and your choice of tea or coffee. Please ask ahead for special dietary needs. All of the fruits and vegetables are fall produce, and the food is blended into a meal bound to delight both eye and palate.

The evening will include both live and silent auctions. Payment is by cash or cheque only, and all proceeds go to the Shelter.

Live entertainment by Cliff Edwards from Gananoque will be available during the evening, and tickets will be sold for a 50/50 draw. Cliff is a well known local musician, formerly of the gold record winning musical group the Bells.

“This is a major fundraiser for the Humane Society,” says Arlene Massey. “We hope everyone will come out and participate.”

Animal Shelters are a necessity in modern society. Without them, the problem of stray and unwanted dogs and cats would be much larger than it is now.

The introduction of spay/neuter programs, providing basic shots and parasite removal have improved the health not only of these animals, but of the community at large.

A strict program of rabies inoculation has virtually eliminated this disease (which crosses the species barrier and is life threatening to humans as well as pets) inside the residential portion of towns and villages.

Consistent spaying and neutering has reduced the number of animals born each year, thereby cutting the number wandering the streets.

The majority of parasites suffered by animals are also health risks to humans, and by removing them, there is again less chance of disease and upset in the resident population.

Operating costs are roughly $400 per day, or a total of $146,100 for the year. And between inflation, a poor economy and ever more kittens and cats being abandoned at the Shelter, it gets harder every day. Events such as this dinner help ease some of the strain while providing a delightful evening of food and entertainment for those who participate.

Tickets are $55 per person, and $500 for a table of ten. For more information or to purchase tickets, please e-mail arlene@arlenemassey.com or call Arlene at 613-923-1953 or the Shelter at 613-382-1512 no later than 3:00 pm on Monday, September 23.

What are you waiting for?