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'A Night to Paws' to highlight shelter's achievements Nov. 14

For 30 years, Anderson Animal Shelter's gala dinner and auction has been a tradition in the Fox Valley. It is the shelter's premier fundraiser and each year celebrates the work that this nonprofit organization accomplishes in the community.

This year's "A Night to Paws" will be 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Q Center, 1405 N. Fifth Ave. (Route 25) in St. Charles. Tickets are $150. Raffle tickets are $10 or six for $50. Sponsorships from $250 to $7,000 are available.

"A Night to Paws" generates thousands of dollars that directly impacts the lives and futures of the animals in their care. The success of the shelter and this event is directly related to the support received from individuals who attend as well as corporate supporters and sponsors.

Event organizers are especially excited about this year; not only are they celebrating 30 years, but they are also eager to highlight all the positive changes the shelter has made in the last year. Last November, the shelter reopened after an extensive remodel where a large percentage of the building was renovated. Furthermore, changes in animal training and behavior modification have been made and adoption numbers have skyrocketed.

"We are extremely proud of our accomplishments," said Beth Drake, executive director. "A tremendous amount of hard work, dedication and passion has made our changes and forward progress possible." Located on over 5 acres in South Elgin, Anderson Animal Shelter is a publicly supported organization and offers a number of programs and services to the community.

In addition, attendees will be treated to something very special - a "Dancing With The Stars" themed entertainment. Six brave members from the Fox Valley community have agreed to be paired with professional dancers from Vargo's Dance Studio in Geneva and perform in front of gala attendees. Similar to the television show, amateur dancers have selected a song and dance and are taking private lessons from Vargo's.

Jamie Vargo, owner of Vargo's Dance, had this to say, "We are so excited to be working with Anderson Animal Shelter for this exciting event! We have some great volunteers who are working hard every week in order to perform their dances. We are looking forward to showing them off in November!"

"I have always enjoyed an occasional dance, thanks to my mom's helpful training at a young age," said Jonathan Gripe, president of the board for Anderson Animal Shelter. He is one of the six amateurs currently taking lessons and preparing for the event. He continued, "I also enjoy watching 'Dancing with the Stars.' However, I never thought that preparing (not to embarrass myself) for the gala, would be so challenging. On TV they make it look so easy. Thanks to the best dance instructor on the planet, Jamie, I plan on doing our best. I should probably also name our next rescue, "Cha Cha."

You don't want to miss out on this special event, for an equally special cause. Tickets are now on sale to the public. If you own a business, the shelter is currently searching for those who might be interested in sponsorship or advertising opportunities. Those who participate will receive a number of benefits depending upon the level of involvement. In addition to supporting a great cause, you will be able to establish and strengthen your brand recognition at both the dinner and auction, as well as in the shelter and community. The shelter's gala is also a great way to entertain clients, employees and vendors.

For information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.events.org/2015ANighttoPaws or call (847) 697-2880, ext. 31.

Anderson Animal Shelter collaborates with public and private organizations and individuals to shelter, care for and promote the adoption of homeless, stray and unwanted companion animals. The shelter is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and does not receive any federal or state funding. It advocates for the compassionate and humane treatment of these animals through direct care, humane education and community outreach programs. For more information, including adoption, volunteering, donation drives and membership opportunities, visit www.andersonanimalshelter.org, email info@andersonanimalshelter.org or call (847) 697-2880.

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