It's almost time to break out your swankiest attire for everybody's favorite furry friends.
The annual Tuxes and Tails fundraiser is coming up Dec. 7, which is the premier fundraising event for the Humane Society of the Lakes.
The event, set at the Holiday Inn, provides dinner and entertainment awhile showcasing some of the area's cutest canines and their human "dates" for the evening.
"We'll have gentlemen from our community dressing up in tuxes and walking down the cat walk -- so to speak -- with a dog...either their own dog or one from the shelter," said Cyndi Anderson, who is not only president of the local humane society, but also this fundraiser.
Speckled throughout the show of canine stars will be mini-clips of a live auction, as donated items from local businesses and individuals are sold to the highest bidders.
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Although event coordinators are still looking for more auction items, they have so far collected some that will likely be quite sought after.
"Including a week on the island of Kauai, a Hawaiian island, donated by Mosaic Consulting. Do-Right Construction has donated a piece of furniture that's a wine rack and serving area with some wine in it," said Anderson. "We also have a 'In the dog house' package with drills and wet vacs. We have trips, both guys and a gals packages for spas or fishing."
The evening, which is black tie optional, will also include lovely, live music, a silent auction and dinner.
"Dinner is a combo meal with both chicken and beef on each plate or a vegetarian meal and a really fun dessert," said Anderson, who says some people show up in glittery, sparkly evening gowns, while others are far more casual.
"However everybody is most comfortable -- that's how they should come," said Anderson, who says Jerome Tappe of Nearson's will be the auctioneer, while Detroit Lakes native and technology entrepreneur Brent Stromme will be emceeing the event.
Anderson says they're hoping to sell out at the event, which would be 240 tickets.
And although she says the Humane Society of the Lakes is "doing great," its 25-dog, 25-cat facility is almost always full and in need of community donations.
"We have the hardest working board I've ever seen and a great group of folks who all play their part in making this a success. But, every year it's challenging because we truly depend on the generosity of the community to keep things thriving," said Anderson, who says the shelter is a "no-kill" facility, which means animals taken in there stay there until they find their forever home.
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Tuxes and Tails helps ensure these animals have a safe place to stay until they become pets, and according to Anderson, they are already well on their way to another successful evening, as several tickets have already been sold for the event, which kicks off at 6 p.m. with a social hour with the dinner and program following at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at Mosaic Consulting at 1106 Washington Avenue, from any Tuxes and Tails committee member or by calling Cyndi Anderson at 847-4257.
