Meowgaritas and Mutts, the largest fundraising for the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society (OPHS), returns to its regular schedule on Saturday, May 4.
This year’s event, held at the Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles, features more than 80 silent auction gift baskets and live auctions items. Experiences offered include a Macy’s Day Parade route VIP private indoor secret location, an Alaskan fishing lodge and private guided tours, an in-home chef dinner for six, a Hawaiian get-away and more.
“Not only does this event help support the abandoned, abused, or ill animals in our care, it is an opportunity for me to meet and greet this wonderful community who dearly love their animals,” new OPHS executive director Jason Stipp said.
Entrance tickets, which include dinner and a drink, have been held at 2020 prices of $75 each.
Get tickets at ophumanesociety.org.
Because of COVID restrictions the 2020 and 2021 event was cancelled, and in 2022 Meowgaritas and Mutts returned in September in attempt to recoup the nearly $400,000 in lost revenue because of postponements.
“We have always had our festive, Mexican-themed Meowgaritas and Mutts event at the end of April or beginning of May to coincide with Cino de Mayo,” said Luanne Hinkle, recently retired OPHS executive director. “
The Board of Directors voted to skip a September of 2023 event to get back to the regular schedule.”
Not having the event in 2023 also resulted in another $200,000 in uncollected revenue, OPHS representatives said. Altogether, lost revenue totaled to $600,000, they noted.
For more than 75 years, OPHS has maintained an active presence in Sequim, Port Angeles and surrounding areas. A no-kill shelter, OPHS cares for domestic animals of all types regardless of breed, health or disposition. A 501(c)3 non-profit corporation (#91-6001724), OPHS is financed primarily by private donations and is not associated with any national organization. An average of 1,200 animals pass through the doors of the facility on an annual basis at the organization’s two campuses: Dog Campus, 1743 Old Olympic Highway, and Cat Campus (“Kitty City”) at 91 S. Boyce Road.
For more information, call the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society at 360-457-8206 or visit ophumanesociety.org.
