TRENTON, Maine — The SPCA of Hancock County’s largest fundraising event to date took place at the Bar Harbor Club on Saturday night. Event coordinator Bethany Savage Klyver reported the event as being “the most successful ever” – generating over $140,000!

“The team of volunteers on the Fur Ball committee was a joy to work with, everything flowed smoothly and a great time was had by everyone involved. The event Co-Chairs Dianna Emory, Jamie O’Keefe, Jim Nobil, Lynn Nobil, Jennifer Skiff, Lisa Hall, and Joy Richardson worked tirelessly prior to and at the event and were a key part of the event’s success, ” added Mrs. Savage Klyver.

“There were so many terrific people who contributed in so many ways, making the event a winner. Master of Ceremonies and Vice President of the Board Jennifer Skiff flew from Australia to engage the crowd with her funny, eloquent, and insightful speeches. She had the crowd cheering and laughing at this extraordinary celebration on behalf of the needy animals in Hancock County,” remarked Event Co-Chair Dianna Emory.

Sotheby’s auctioneer Hugh Hildesley flew in from NYC to lead the lively live auction, heads or tails game, encourage bidding, and emphasize how the dollars raised directly impact the animals at the shelter.

Board President and Event Co-Chair Jennifer McNally and Pilar Burmeister of Oceanside Animal Hospital coordinated a team of young helpers who dressed as dogs and cats – with face painting by Lisa Hall – and helped to sell the necklaces for the heads or tails game. The children also featured all of the live auction posters on stage and drew attention as they playfully encouraged the guests to pay attention.

Numerous people helped to create the event including Dianna Emory, Jim Nobil, Jamie O’Keefe, Jennifer McNally, Jennifer Skiff, Lisa Hall, Janice Puckett, Sarah Powell, Carol Calder, Barbara Brack, Lynn Nobil, Joy Richardson, Lisa Williams, Beth Pepper, Diana de los Santos, Barbara Dow, Marc and Marion Fine, Carol and Paul Fremont-Smith, Linda May, Catherine Coit, Susan Ferrante-Collier, Kimmie Ross, Laura Savage Leonard, Sherry Streeter, Barb Steele, Tori Minutolo, Janice Janes, JaneA Kelley, Michele Croan, Jennifer Hughes, Susan Vanderlin, Steve White, Sandi Read, Gary Perkins, Kenzi Hager, Bethany Savage Klyver, Pilar Burmeister, Lynn Lepley-Boschert, Dan Lay, John Savage, Jay McNally, Zack Klyver, and Natalie Knox.

“We are so thankful for everyone who volunteered their time, purchased tickets and attended the event, sponsored the event, and donated auction items. The live auction included seven items that generated the most we have ever secured financially from a live auction, and the silent auction featured over 100 silent auction items accented by gorgeous framed shelter animal photos by Lynn Lpeley-Boschert,” said Board President Jennifer McNally.

“The Bud Connection donated the striking center pieces and floral displays. The music by Paul Sullivan’s Starlight Serenaders Dance Quartet was lovely. Deb Jordan, the Bar Harbor Club and their staff were a pleasure to work with. The food and service was excellent and the setting was elegant,” added Mrs. McNally.

The next big event will be the annual “Pet Show & Fair” that is scheduled to be held at the Mount Desert Elementary School ball field in Northeast Harbor on Sunday, August 12 from 2:00 – 4:00.

“Financial support from the community is essential due to the greatly increased costs of operating the larger animal shelter,” added Mr. Nobil. “Additional contributions and sponsorships would be greatly appreciated and may be sent directly to the SPCA of Hancock County, 141 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton, Maine 04605.”