Black Tie & Tails: A Benefit for the HART Adoption Wing
2018 Honorary Chairs, Mercedes & Michael Pellet
HART for Animals, with Honorary Chairs, Michael and Mercedes Pellet, will host the “Black Tie & Tails” Gala, to benefit the HART Adoption Programs. The second bi-annual event will take place on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at the Lodge at Wisp Resort. The Gala will feature dinner, dancing and a silent auction that features national and international luxury trips. Proceeds from the Gala will provide funds to keep homeless pets in a safe place while waiting for their forever homes.
“The Gala will be a tremendous help by raising funds for the homeless and abused animals in our area,” says Kelli Palamar, President of HART. “We have found homes for 791 dogs and cats since opening the wing. It’s an honor to have the Pellets as our honorary chairs.”
Since 2009, Michael and Mercedes have worked tirelessly for the homeless animals. “The HART Animal Center would not be here if not for the tenacity and drive of this selfless couple,” says Paula Yudelevit, Executive Director. “They are truly the heart of HART and a blessing to the people and the animals of Garrett County.” The Pellets moved to the county permanently in 2006 with the expectation of retiring. After seeing the need for a facility to help lower the high euthanasia rate in the county, the former business owners began a capital campaign to build a center where homeless cats and dogs, as well as potential adopters, could feel at home. The Pellets have worked full-time pro bono. Mercedes is the Development Director and Treasurer, and Michael is the Facility Manager and past President.
The décor of the “Black Tie & Tails” Gala will have a silver and gold harvest theme. “You won’t see cornucopia,” says décor chair, Meg Collins. Silver and gold pumpkins, mood lighting and up-dated harvest glam will be the style of the evening!” Farmhouse Fete owner, Leigh Clarke, will be providing many of the decorations from her party-planning collection. Food chair, Ann Horton, is working with Wisp Resort on the dinner menu.
“A gala of this magnitude could not happen without the generosity of our sponsors,” says Paula Yudelevit. The sponsors to-date include: Drs. Pat & Sue Bredel, The Squires Group, Dick & Deb Alderson, Wisp Resort, Susan & John Pucciano, Fragasso Financial Advisors, Farmhouse Fete, Ann Smith, First United Bank, Dr. & Mrs. Melissa Walch, BB&T Mortgage, Russell Bounds, Neil & Cynthia Whitton, Ace’s Run Restaurant, Exelon Generation, Rob Michael, Nu-Way Interiors, Bill’s Marine Service, Jared & Laura Fike, Deep Creek Dog, Garrett Container Systems, Steve & Amy Bortz and John & Shelia McCracken,”
HART’s charitable programs include: animal rescue, adoption and sheltering, low-cost, and no-cost spay/neutering, veterinary care, and behavior modification. The monthly cost to care for 50 or more cats and dogs awaiting adoption is $20,000, with adoption fees covering only a portion of their veterinary care. It is through donations, sponsorships, grants, and fundraising opportunities that HART can sustain the Adoption Wing operation.
Tickets to the “Black Tie & Tails” Gala are available online at www.hartforanimals.org, at the HART Animal Center, or by phone at 301.387.7729.
For more information on a sponsorship opportunity to help support the Gala and HART, please call or email Paula Yudelevit, at 301.387.7729 or paula@hartforanimals.org.