December 5, 2023 - Event will benefit animal welfare programs in Shelby County
The Happy Tails Adoption Center (HTAC) Animal Shelter of Shelby County will be hosting an online fundraising auction beginning next week.
“It’s just like the silent auctions we’ve seen at many local fundraisers, except it’s online,” said Happy Tails President Stephanie Elswick. “You can shop from your home or office while helping save the lives of dogs and cats right here in Shelby County.”
The auction currently has more than 30 items up for bid, including those from local businesses.
Funds raised will help support animal welfare programs being sponsored by Happy Tails. Elswick said those include a low income spay and neuter program – Spay It Forward, the Happy Tails Pet Food Pantry and pet foster and adoption programs hosted by Happy Tails.
“Among items from local businesses in Center and Shelby County are those from COR Boutique, Mooney's Emporium, Indulge Beauty Bar, Stefanie Doggett Aesthetics, The Lily Farm, Shani's Catering, The Forge and Stay & Play Boarding,” she said.
Other businesses interested in donating item to support Happy Tails can email information on the donations with photos to: step.atkins1963@gmail.com.
“We will be adding new auction items through this week,” Elswick said.
Many of items will make great Christmas gifts, she said.
“In addition to the locally contributed items, the auction also includes several trips within the United States as well as unique adventures such as a fishing trip, a golf experience, and a NASCAR experience,” Elswick said.
Winners with the high bids will be able to pickup their winning bids beginning Monday, Dec. 18. Elswick said the online auction is being hosted by BetterWorld.org.
That firm was selected after being vetted for the safety of digital payments from bidders. She said the firm is PCI compliant, which is a well-respected industry standard for business and nonprofits, with all secured information encrypted for the security of all involved.
The online link to the auction will be posted by Monday, Dec. 11 with bidding continuing through Sunday, Dec. 17, she said.
Happy Tails is a nonprofit 501©3 organization which went public earlier this year with plans to develop a palette of animal welfare programs serving Center and Shelby County. The organization’s board is made up of volunteers from across the county interested in supporting dog and cat welfare programs, Elswick said. A long-term goal of Happy Tails is to see an animal shelter established locally.
“We will be promoting the auction on our Facebook page, Happy Tails Adoption Center (HTAC) and on the group’s website at: www.happytailstexas.org (http://www.happytailstexas.org/),” she said.
”We see this as a great way to support Happy Tails while allowing our partner businesses exposure as backers of what we feel is a great cause,” Elswick said.
