HUMANE SOCIETY OF BOULDER VALLEY’S “PUTTIN’ ON THE LEASH – ANIMALS IN WONDERLAND” 2013 GALA EVENT RAISES $370,000 FOR HOMELESS ANIMALS

Boulder, Colo. (April 30, 2013) – This year’s “Puttin’ On The Leash – Animals in Wonderland” Gala benefit for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley was another big success as the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year. Nearly 1,200 people attended Saturday night’s event and raised more than $370,000 net representing seven percent of the $5 million annual operating budget of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. The 21^st annual Puttin’ On The Leash event was held at the Coors Events Center on the CU campus in Boulder. 

“This year’s Puttin’ On The Leash was an incredible evening, celebrating all of the wonderful relationships with pets and people throughout Boulder Valley,” said Lisa Pedersen, CEO of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. “Through the generosity of our community we can provide lifesaving services such as shelter, medical care, and behavioral rehabilitation to 9,000 animals each year.  The funds raised at this event will ensure each animal receives the care and love they need while we find them a new home and a loving family of their own.” 

Proceeds from the event will provide critical resources for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley’s lifesaving services such as its highly successful shelter transfer program, behavioral and medical rehabilitation programs and community assistance programs. 

The first Puttin’ On The Leash event held 21 years ago was a fashion show with adoption dogs on stage with the models that raised $50,000 to purchase a mobile adoption unit. Today it has grown to be a much larger event and one of Boulder’s best and largest fundraising events. Puttin’ On The Leash is the Humane Society of Boulder Valley’s largest fundraising event each year.

This year’s Puttin’ On The Leash event – with the theme of Animals in Wonderland for the 21^st annual event – was a play on the popular children’s book and movie “Alice in Wonderland” and included the Red Queen castle stage and rabbit hole set designed by Scenographics of Denver, 28 feet tall playing cards and volunteer greeters costumed as characters including Alice, the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and more.

Attendees bid on the nearly 600 silent auction items donated by more than 300 Boulder-area businesses while sampling menu items and beverages donated by more than 20 Boulder area restaurants, caterers and specialty food and beverage sponsors. The event also included a live auction of more than 20 donated items such as exotic trips, a stunning diamond pendant and entertainment packages. The auctions were followed by a special appeal/paddle raiser for critical funds for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley’s animal behavior modification, medical care and adoption services.

The event was chaired by Scott Walker of Boulder, with Linda Oliver and Gail Pederson, both of Boulder, serving as auction co-chairs.  Special guests Mike Nelson, chief meteorologist for TheDenverChannel7, and Dr. Lee Woods of Broadway Animal Hospital in Boulder served as co-emcees of the event, with Don Martin providing auctioneer services. More than 200 volunteers were on hand to help organize and run the event.

Event Wonderland Sponsors included Wags and Menace Makes a Difference Foundation, Control Service Center, Club Z: Buddy & Laura Zuckerman, Nuf Said Advertising, Superior Liquor, First National Bank, Marilyn & Jim Reynolds and Sandy and Sally Bracken. The Mad Hatter Auction Sponsor was Bill Hayes and Estey Printing Company.

About the Humane Society of Boulder Valley

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley is a community supported, open-door facility that provides shelter, medical care and behavioral rehabilitation to more than 9,000 animals each year. Since its inception in 1902, the shelter has become one of the most recognized nonprofit organizations in the community and a national leader in animal welfare. It is the mission of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals by promoting healthy relationships between pets and people. Learn more at www.boulderhumane.org.

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