The Humane Society needs your help !! Attend their wine fundraiser for not only a great time, but also to support this worthy cause.
On the heels of last month's Barktoberfest, when the community came together to show off their canine companions in funny outfits, the Humane Society of St. Thomas is presenting the second annual "Wine to the Third Power" fundraiser Monday at Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort.
There's one catch with this celebration, however: no dogs. The "Celebration of Fine Wines" in the Frenchman's Reef Ballroom will feature 45 wineries, offering more than 165 wines for unlimited tasting, an equally elegant buffet dinner, a silent auction of "Wine, Dine and Shine" items, and a live auction of tours and lodging at three of the world's most exclusive wineries in the U.S. and South America.
Society president Joseph Aubain said Saturday he will be make an announcement Monday night about a major gift from a benefactor.
"The money is toward readiness, the push is for furnishings," Aubain said. "We will be able to have the work crews put on the finishing touches."
Aubain said he hopes for a February opening date for the new campus, for which ground was broken in June 2006. At the time, the opening was projected for 18 months -- early 2008. Since that time, the Humane Care Campus on Weymouth Rhymer Highway has suffered several financial setbacks, owing largely to the "national economy collapsing," Aubain said.
The silent auction looks to offer enough glitter to still the beating heart for months on end. Everything from exclusive bottles and cases of wine, to precious stemware from Riedel, jewelry, leather goods donated by the island's superior shops, as well as gift certificates for a gourmet repast at some of the island's best restaurants.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m., with shuttles running from the West Indian Co. parking lot at Havensight starting at 5:15 p.m. Tickets are $100, and are available from Bellows International, the Humane Society in Nadir, the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce on Main St., How 'Bout Your Pet at Yacht Haven Grande, Home Again in Red Hook, and from Society board members.
Ten percent of the wine sales will be donated to the society, along with all proceeds from the auctions, and half of the ticket sales.
Aubain said, "We are so grateful to Bellows International, West Indies Corporation and Prestige Wine Group for their efforts on behalf of the Humane Society. The gala of wines is a wonderful event, as anyone who attended last year will tell you. And it will assist us with the completion of the new campus, and ongoing operational expenses."
Folks will have another opportunity to visit the new campus and pick up some "gently used" designer clothing and holiday gifts at a Designer and Estate Sale on Dec. 12. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. items such as shoes, jewelry and home decor will be available along with wine and hors d'oeuvres. The sale is in the new Boutique, formerly the Flea Market.
