Once again, we thank the generosity of the Crowne Plaza for sponsoring this event and providing spacious accommodations and refreshments. Also, very special thanks go to the appraisers whose knowledge and expertise covered an incredible range of items. Appraisers included the charming Peter Curran from the Antique  Road Show and Henry Eckert from Naples. Everyone was pleased that  Jane de Lisser, from Ft Myers, returned again this year. ARC was also thrilled to be able to welcome Brad & Colbi Congress of Bradley’s Jewelry to review a wide range of estate jewelry. New to our event this year was watch expert Tony Genovese who has over forty years experience in fine watches, including Rolex. We deeply appreciate everyone’s time and energy.  These efforts helped raise over $4,000 for ARC’s special medical needs program!  

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Warm Florida breezes filled the evening  as a large crowd gathered at Coconut Point Mall in Estero to celebrate the 13^th Annual Lights of Love. A gentle hush come over the crowd when the lights were illuminated.  White lights symbolize pet remembered and colored lights symbolize pet still with us. Jim Morris provided tropical music to help make this special occasion more entertaining. As always, this year’s Lights of Love was a touching way to remember pets that have brought so much joy into our lives in the past and honor the ones that are still with us. ARC thanks everyone for embracing this annual tradition.

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The stars really did sparkle on auction night! From the gracious warmth of our guest host, Craig Wolf, and the smiles of a sold out audience of 270 fellow animal lovers,  auction night was filled with magic. Bidding was fast and furious under the expertise of auctioneer Mike Joyce. The audience warmly embraced our special canine guest, Wonder, who- as a dog born deaf and blind- showed everyone why never giving up is so worthwhile. The night celebrated ARC’s achievements over the past year and looked forward to goals set for 2012.  Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa provided a grand setting in which to enjoy fine culinary creations and eagerly bid on over two hundred items.

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The First Annual Candy Fest was a huge success. Everyone had fun.  And, in addition, Diesel got his forever home Sunday  from a woman that saw him at the Candy Fest. Wow!  Way-to-go Diesel.

We can hardly wait until next year to have another fun filled  Candy Fest Halloween event.

A big “Thank You” to all who helped and sponsored this wonderful occasion.

A day on the island is always fun … especially with Lily the Labradoodle and all her other canine buddies. Our hosts were so gracious and the Lily staff worked hard to make everyone welcome.Bailey’s General Store provide lemonade and hot dogs, Island Paws provided dog treats and 3 doggie birthday cakes along with a $500 gift basket.  Host Lily & Co provided an $800 diamond dog bone necklace as a raffle item.

There were goodie bags for every dog who attended- a great group of people showed up with their animal companions!.  In addition to the hot dogs and lemonade, ice cones were the order of the day for kids young and old. Huge tents covered us so that all could be in the shade relaxing on or under  tables and chairs while visiting. The caricatures being drawn were in great demand and the doggies loved their massages!  Without a doubt the shop itself is truly beautiful and the inventory incredible!!

A big THANKS to everyone who attended and donated to ARC. Happy Birthday, Lily – the dogs and cats at ARC send you big wishes!

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We hope shelters across the country found tons of homes for orphaned pets during Petco’s National Adopt-a-Thon the weekend of June 19th. ARC definitely had a great day at Petco in the Forum finding Brownie, a seven year old Plott-Hound his forever home! His hound habit of baying is not always music to people’s ears which might explain why he was at ARC for two years. But in came a lady from Tennessee, familiar with the breed, who just fell head over heels for Brownie. Puppies Shana and Sparky went home with a former ARC resident puppy from last year’s adoption event. Phurb, an adorable feline went home with ARC volunteer Jason, who was only suppose to assist with this event but instead “fell in love”. Other adoptions were occurring at ARC. All in all June was an outstanding month for adoptions totaling twelve dogs and eleven cats. That meant more space to intake new pets in need hoo-ray!

Thank you to everyone who helped with this event… Andrew, Angela, Betty, Bev, Denise, Diane, Jan, Jason, Kaci, Lee, Michelle, Russ and Tracey.