North Beach PAWS held their 17th Annual Dinner Auction at the Ocean Shores Convention Center on Saturday, November 4. The sold-out event signaled the return of North Beach PAWS’ signature fundraiser and the first such gala since 2019. The proceeds will help homeless and abandoned animals and support the day-to-day operation of the shelter.
The North Beach PAWS Dinner Auction featured an appearance by the Ocean Shores Pirates while recording secretary and legal advisor Mike Valdez handled master of ceremonies duties, and Eric Bjella, adorned in full pirate regalia, served as auctioneer. Ocean Shores Mayor Jon Martin was among the 250 guests in attendance.
“It was a huge success, we sold out completely, it was a great turnout, the food was fantastic, George [Lee] and his crew did a wonderful job, the [Ocean Shores] Pirates were such a big help Mike did a good job, I’m very pleased,” said Lorna Valdez, president of North Beach PAWS.
“[The proceeds] will help the general operation fund, day-to-expenses, food, veterinarian bills, and operations costs of maintaining the buildings and the property. It’s something we count on when we can have this auction. It’s an important part of our fundraising.”
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Auction Procurement Committee led by Debbie McDuffee and Eleanor Dorman, numerous local businesses, organizations, and individuals such as
Five Star Dealerships, Seabrook, The Grey Gull, Tractor Supply, and the Quinault Nation donated dozens of auction items for the event. Those items included everything from paintings and antiques to resort hotel stays and Seattle Seahawks game tickets.
“It’s a program I whole-heartedly advocate for and support, all my pets have come from the shelter and it’s something I believe in,” Eric Bjella said. “I have been doing auctions for 30 years and now do it occasionally as a pirate.”
Vocalists Ken Albert and Christine Hill of Montesano, Washington, performed their blend of jazz standards and pop songs from the 1930s to the present.
“[The event] was wonderful. I own two rescue cats, and Ken owns three dogs, and we love animals,” Christine Hill said.
As part of the festivities, North Beach PAWS Doghouse Manager Nanette Sparrow gave a passionate presentation about the state of the current dog shelter as fundraising efforts for a new facility continue in earnest.
“I loved Nanette’s presentation, she did an excellent job on the dog shelter that we need,” Lorna Valdez added.
North Beach PAWS would like to thank all the volunteers who made the event possible, as well as the businesses and individuals who donated auction items, sponsors, and of course, everyone who attended the event to support the shelter and its mission.