Thanks to all who volunteered to help plan and execute the event, bought event tickets, bid and bought from home, donated auction items, contributed to the Wine and Coffee Pulls, sponsored, and purchased raffle tickets, this year’s event generated $135,000 for animals in need! (What can we say–it seems 35 is our lucky number!) You truly made our 35th anniversary celebration a life-saving night!
You can see our Senior Director’s feature presentation (a video full of happy tails!) and photos from the event (and the photo booth in particular) using the buttons just below. Please, peruse and enjoy!
Second Chance will follow all COVID rules in place at the time of the event. At this time, masks are welcomed but not required.
THE EVENT
Second Chance Pet Adoptions’ 22nd annual Evening of Pawsibilities returns to the Embassy Suites hotel in Cary (201 Harrison Oaks Blvd.) on the evening of Saturday, September 24. Join us from 6:00 to 10:00 PM for:
- a cocktail hour, with hors d’oeuvres and free drink tickets
- dinner and dessert (with vegan and gluten-free options)
- hundreds of silent auction items (with mobile bidding for remote participants)
- an exciting live auction (exclusive for on-site guests)
- the Wine Pull AND (new this year) a Coffee Pull
- a raffle (the prize is a $1,500 Amazon gift card!)
- a free and fun photo booth
- special 35th Anniversary touches, and
- visits with furry friends!
THE FOOD AND DRINKS
Each year, we strive to serve a creative, delectable menu that takes care of all our guests, including our vegan friends and those with allergies and other dietary restrictions. Join us on-site to taste the love!
From appetizers and free drink tickets that can be redeemed for beer, wine, and spirits (cash bar on offer throughout the evening for additional drinks) to a scrumptious buffet, we’ll ensure you’re taken care of as the esteemed guests of our organization!
And remember, save room for dessert!
Guests will be asked to wear gloves while handling serving utensils at the buffet; hand sanitizer will also be available throughout the venue.
THE AUCTIONS
Starting on Thursday, September 22, at 5:00 PM Eastern, everyone (joining us in-person or participating from afar) will be able to view and start bidding on all items in the silent auction, which closes at 8:30 PM Eastern on September 24.
Those who join us at the hotel will also be able to bid in the live auction on Saturday evening–prepare yourself for fun trips, fine jewelry, unique items and experiences, and more!
For those who are unable to join us in-person, you’ll be able to register to bid on silent auction items and purchase any “buy now” items–with no registration fee! Given our generous pick-up window and complimentary shipping on many items, you can bid and win from anywhere in the world. See our pick-up/shipping policies here.
Our 2020 and 2021 host, Brian Pate, will graciously return as emcee/auctioneer!
THE PULLS
We anticipate another sell-out year for a fan favorite: the Wine Pull!
Starting at noon Eastern on September 24, you can purchase (through the bidding app or, later that evening, on-site) a mystery bottle of wine for $25–and you may find that bottle to be worth up to $100! It’s a fun way to find a new favorite.
NEW THIS YEAR: by popular demand, we’re introducing a SECOND pull!
Get ready to fall in love with a new brew when you take your chances in the Coffee Pull! From classic roasts to interesting notes, you’ll wake up your taste buds and your brain when you sip on your win!
THE RAFFLE
Get ready for a raffle drawing like we’ve never had before! The excitement will be tangible as we draw the winning ticket for the $1,500 Amazon gift card!
Raffle tickets start at $10 each, but the more you buy, the more each ticket is discounted; purchase as many as you’d like! Tickets can be purchased HERE until 6:00 PM Eastern on Saturday, September 24, 2022, or (for even greater convenience for auction attendees and bidders) they can be purchased directly through GiveSmart (the bidding platform) until 7:30 PM Eastern Sept. 24 for one easy check-out transaction after the event.
Joining us remotely? Need not be at the event to win! The gift card will be emailed to the winner.
Thank you to Ovesco Endoscopy USA for sponsoring this year’s raffle!
THE PARTY ANIMALS
It’s our 35th anniversary, and we can’t think of a better crew with whom to celebrate: YOU! Guests can look forward to some special touches this year as we observe this organizational milestone and express our gratitude for the people who made it pawsible.
Of course, old favorites will return, like the free photo booth (sponsored by Moon Interiors) that gives you digital files for instant social media posts and print-outs to decorate your fridge for years to come!
But we all know the real treat: visiting with adoptable cats and dogs! While we can’t bring the hundreds of animals in our program come September, we will bring a few you can love on throughout the evening. After all, they have YOU to thank for their second chances!
Event program for on-site participants:
- 6:00 p.m. – Check-In Opens; Cocktail Hour Begins
- 6:45 p.m. – Buffet Opens
- 7:10 p.m. – Welcome by Board President
- 7:30 p.m. – Raffle Ticket Sales End
- 7:35 p.m. – Raffle Winner Drawing Begins
- 7:45 p.m. – Live Auction
- 8:10 p.m. – Dessert Served
- 8:30 p.m. – Silent Auction, Wine/Coffee Pull, and Buy-Now Items All Close
- 8:40 p.m. – Special Presentation by Senior Director
- 9:10 p.m. – Raffle Winner Announced
- 9:25 p.m. – Check-Out Opens; Guests Depart by 10:00
Menu for our guests:
Hors d’oeuvres:
- Greek spanakopita (vegetarian)
- Country sausage cheddar balls
- Hummus with olive tapenade (vegan and gluten-free)
Buffet:
- Dinner rolls and butter (vegetarian)
- Garden salad (vegan and gluten-free, dependent on your dressing choice)
- Broccoli salad (vegan and gluten-free)
- Mediterranean chick pea salad (vegan and gluten-free)
- Chicken Mediterranean: country ham, artichokes, roasted red peppers, basil, and a lemon-tomato broth (may be gluten-free; please confirm by noting card with it)
- Peppered filet tips: house steak sauce, caramelized onions (may be gluten-free; please confirm by noting card with it)
- Roasted vegetable fusilli with sun-dried tomato pesto sauce (vegan)
- Macaroni and cheese (vegetarian)
- Rosemary-roasted red potatoes (vegetarian and gluten-free)
- Hot tea, iced tea, and coffee (vegan and gluten-free)
Dessert:
- Assorted selections by chef (please note cards to determine vegan/gluten-free)
- Birthday cake in celebration of our 35th anniversary
Can’t join us? You can participate remotely! Here’s how:
- Silent auction: register (free!) to bid through the GiveSmart platform. Some items can be mailed (free)!
- “Buy now” items: you can purchase any of these in the bidding platform, too.
- Raffle: get your tickets to win no later than 7:30 that night! Need not be present to win.
- Wine and Coffee Pulls: while we can’t ship wine, you can purchase as many of either pull as you’d like and pick them up at our adoption center after the event.
- Donate: get your name on the big screen at the front of the room by donating through GiveSmart and contributing to the event goal. You can even see it for yourself if you…
- Watch on Facebook: we’ll go live from the venue the evening of the event from 8:35 to 9:25 (no Facebook account needed to view the stream)!
Looking for info on the Wags With Swag contest? Please see the update HERE.
