Fundraiser Promises An Evening Of Wine And Silent Auction

By Kendra Bobowick

“Puttin’ on the Dog III” will bring a touch of style and the swirl of wine into fundraising efforts to support a new dog pound.

On Saturday, September 13, from 5 to 9 pm, Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN) President Virginia Jess will welcome guests to attend the gala held in a “beautiful facility.” The Taunton Press, at 63 Main Street South, will again open its doors for the fundraising event. With a dash of the high class, a silent auction will fill the early evening, as cooler temperatures bring out sweaters and light jackets this time of year.

“If it’s chilly, we’ll have a roaring fire in the fireplace,” Ms Jess said, which will add another comfort to the catered event with food contributed from Newtown restaurants. Several wine serving tables will have samples of reds, whites, and blushes. Volunteering to pour this Saturday are staff from The Inn at Newtown, Carminuccio’s Pizza, and the Red Rooster Deli & Bakery. Yankee Fine Wines & Liquors and Stop & Save Liquors of Newtown are contributing the wine. Also boosting the fire-lit early autumn ambiance will be music by Tom Novak.

Tickets for the evening out are $50, on sale at either of the liquor stores located in the Big Y or Stop & Shop shopping centers, and at Prudential Connecticut Realty. Residents can also contact Ms Jess at 426-5327 to reserve a ticket. Guests can also purchase tickets at the door for $60.

Silent auction items range from artwork to sports tickets. Offering a few hints at to the more than 60 items donated for auction are autographed scenes of the Hole in the Wall Gang signed by Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward. Also in the mix of items are a round-trip limousine ride into New York City, box seats to a Mets game, a round of golf for four at Newtown Country Club, a complete wellness package, a pool closing for winter from Newtown Pools, and the services of creating a will through one local attorney.

Does this sound unusual? “It isn’t,” Ms Jess assured. “Wills are expensive.”

Also on the list are jewelry, paintings, and pet portraits. Overall, Ms Jess looks forward to a “really fine evening” that will also be fun.

Aside from contributing to the dog pound, guests can also leave a gift under the giving tree, which will contribute to CAN’s effort to fund veterinary care for the pound pets. Visit CanineAdvocates.org for a glimpse at pets waiting for adoption, and for additional details about “Puttin’ on the Dog III.”