Pet lovers will get a chance to support the Animal Welfare League during the first annual "Pooches & Smooches".
The April 23rd events will take place at the Ramada 2517.
According to AWL director Darla McCammon, the Ramada Plaza "has been wonderful" in setting up the benefit with them.
Mike Stetzel, general manager of the Ramada complex, said the Ramada hasn't had an opportunity to partner with the AWL in a big way before, but this will be a great opportunity to do so. As the only locally owned hotel, he said, it's important for the Ramada to partner with local entities for such events.
The events begin at 9 a.m. April 23. Julie DuBois, of Sunrise Photography, will take photos of people's pets for $5 and a bag of pet food. The photos will be taken until noon at 2517. For an extra cost, people can have photos taken of them with their pet.
A champagne raffle and silent auction begin at 6 p.m. that night. The champagne raffle is $10 per glass.
Tickets to the event are $75, with proceeds going to the AWL. The cost includes a prime rib dinner, or other pre-selected meal choice.
The Michele Payton Band will play light jazz during the night's event.
Among the items to be auctioned include a package from the Ramada of a one-night stay at the hotel and two Wagon Wheel Theatre tickets. Local artist Jason Rowland is contributing one of his pet-themed artworks. Expressions is donating a facial, and some of the other local businesses contributing items include Anderson's and Furniture Factory Outlet.
McCammon said they are looking for more donations and donors for the first annual event. Donations are tax deductible.
For a $100 item donation, a donor will receive two free tickets to the event and their name in the program. A $200 donation will include the tickets, name in the program and a website ad. A $300 donation includes all of the above plus an ad in the newsletter. A $400 donation includes all of the above plus the donor's name in a slide show.
Ramada Sales Manager Jason Boyer said companies or individuals can sponsor a table of eight for $600.
Reservations for "Pooches & Smooches" are being taken now. They can be made at the Ramada, Sunrise Photography or the Animal Welfare League. Payment by check or credit card is preferred, but cash will be accepted.For more information about the Animal Welfare League or "Pooches & Smooches", visit its website at www.awl-warsaw.org
The telephone number for the animal shelter, located at 3489 E. CR 100S, Warsaw, is 574-267-3008.
The website for the Michele Payton Band is at www.michelepayton.com, and the Ramada's website is at www.ramadawarsaw.com
