PAWS hosts annual Auction for Animals

After weeks of preparation and the day spent with last minute details, the doors opened at the Great Boars Lodge near Anna for the 18th annual Auction for Animals presented by Pets Are Worth Saving Inc., PAWS.

Auctiongoers began the evening at the silent auction and bucket raffle tables, took a break for a meal prepared by the Great Boars of Fire, and resumed bidding on their favorite finds of the evening. 

As silent auction sections closed, bidders raced to place their final offer and then watched as the bid sheets were gathered, signaling the end of the bidding. 

Auctioneers, Jim Nash and Kenny Hefner introduced the live auction items being offered for bid. 

The ever popular load of gravel, donated by Duty Construction of Dongola, once again attracted several eager bidders.

A Stihl chainsaw donated by Ideal Lawn & Tractor of Marion brought the night’s top bid, as several bidders vied for ownership. 

This set the tone for many exciting bidding wars on the remaining items, leading to a successful evening.

Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Poshard took center stage to present a check for $5,000 to PAWS.

The Poshards also issued a challenge that they will match dollar for dollar up to $2,000 donated to PAWS between now and Dec. 31.

PAWS has asked the community to take up the challenge and send donations to bring in an additional $4,000 for the animals. 

 All proceeds from the auction will be used to operate PAWS’ Place Adoption Center, the first no-kill animal shelter in Southern Illinois, located at 139 E. Vienna St. in Anna. 

Pets Are Worth Saving Inc. was established in 1993 and opened the adoption center in 2001. 

To date, over 4,100 animals have been given a second chance for a life filled with love and hope. 

PAWS notes this wouldn’t be possible without the support of everyone involved as it is operated solely by donations and relies on such support to continue. 

Thanks to that support throughout the year and for the auction, PAWS says it will be able to continue its work into 2012 and look to the new year with hope.

PAWS thanks everyone who made the 18th annual Auction for Animals a great success: all the businesses and individuals who donated items to auction, made monetary contributions,  and gave desserts, time and moral support, and all of those who came to share the evening.