Woods Humane Society Announces ‘Oz’ Themed Virtual Fundraiser
‘There’s No Place Like SLOme’ Live Auction and Behind-the-Scenes Event Set for June 12, 2021
Tickets are now available for Woods Humane Society’s June 12th virtual fundraising event and live auction, There’s No Place Like SLOme. The Wizard of Oz-themed event, scheduled for 5 p.m., will feature a raffle and live auction in addition to special, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the shelter’s dogs and cats, and of their proverbial journey down the “yellow brick road” through Woods Humane Society, and on to their adoptive homes.
“This event will be unlike anything Woods Humane Society has ever hosted,” says Woods CEO and SLOme “Wizard” of Ceremonies, Neil Trent. “The unparalleled circumstances of the pandemic have, sadly, made our annual in-person gala event impossible, but they have also inspired this one-of-a-kind opportunity for our community and supporters to join us from the comfort of their homes, with their pets, to see for themselves the dogs and cats in our shelter and aspects of our animal rescue efforts that they would not otherwise see.”
The event, sponsored by lead sponsor Saint Francis Capital Wealth Management as well as Mechanics Bank, Adamski Moroski Madden Cumberland & Green LLP, Lance Parker Wealth Management, Corvus Wealth Advisors, Walsh Engineering, Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic, Elemental Wealth Advisors, New Times SLO, and KSBY, will feature a short, Oz-themed original film, with a Woods-alumnus dog, playing “Toto,” followed by live cameos by Woods staff and animals. In solidarity with San Luis Obispo businesses affected by the pandemic, the evening’s raffle and live auction will highlight local, SLO County services and goods.
“Toto’s Adventure” general admission tickets to the event ($25 each) include a raffle ticket, while a limited number of VIP “We’re Off to See the Wizard” tickets ($150) include a Dorothy’s Basket of themed and locally-sourced event goodies.
“All proceeds from this critical fundraising event will go toward helping the more than 3,000 animals that Woods Humane Society cares for each year,” Trent says, explaining that, as a nonprofit dog and cat adoption center, Woods Humane Society is supported solely by donations, grants, bequests, fundraising events and fees for services. “Without the abiding support of our community, which has sustained us even during the challenges and unknowns of the last year, we could not continue our mission to provide animals in need with the excellent care they deserve or bring them hope for a brighter future in a forever home.”
Woods Humane Society spends an average of $800 per animal to provide industry-leading shelter, veterinary care, training, and adoption services at its facilities in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero. Working closely with overcrowded partner shelters across the state, and with individuals who are no longer able to care for their pets, the organization has helped more than 1,900 animals so far in 2021 alone. As part of its commitment to managing homeless pet populations, its medical team also performs 4,000 spay/neuter surgeries each year, for animals in their care as well as for partner rescue organizations and for publicly owned pets.
To watch the There’s No Place Like Home event trailer, learn more about the event, buy tickets, or donate, visit www.WoodsHumane.org/SLOME.