HUMANE SOCIETY WILL HOLD ANNUAL AUCTION ON NOV. 9

Original artwork by Cape Girardeau artist Jake Wells and a print by Mark Farmer of Cape Girardeau are among big-draw items for the 11th annual Humane Society of Southeast Missouri fund-raising auction Nov. 9 at the Cape Girardeau VFW Post, 1049 N. Kingshighway.

"These are two sought-after items in the auction," said Charlotte Craig, vice president of the society. "We have several collector items for the auction. We also have a print from Ducks Unlimited."

The auction is the society's main fund-raiser, with the money going exclusively for maintaining the shelter.

The `Humanitarian of the Year' award will be presented during the evening, along with some "Friends of the Humane Society" awards.

Also on schedule this year will be entertainment by magician Darren Davis.

"Davis will appear twice," said Craig. "He'll perform between the silent and regular auction, and again later in the evening."

Tickets, available at the Humane Society and at local veterinary offices, are $10. They entitle holders to hors d'oeuvres, which will be catered by Port Cape Girardeau at 5:30 p.m.

Hors d'oeuvres include assorted finger sandwiches, fruit skewers, cheese platters, Swedish meatballs, vegetable trays, and chips and dips.

"The event starts at 5 p.m. with a silent auction," said Craig. The silent auction will end about 7 p.m., when the official program, which will include the awards, gets under way. Auctioneer David Campbell will get the live auction started at 7:30 p.m.

Other items for the regular auction will include several craft items that relate to animals.

"Also available will be several gift certificates from restaurants and other area businesses," said Craig. "And we have some savings bonds from area banks."

A highlight item is a handmade quilt that was presented to the Humane Society by Mrs. Katherine Titus of Cairo, Ill. The quilt will be raffled off.

Those in attendance will also have a chance to meet the new Humane Society administrator, Nancy Richards, who joined the shelter staff in July.

The shelter takes in about 4,000 animals each year. Homes are found for about a third or less. Through September, the shelter received 1,178 dogs, 1,146 cats, 45 rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and birds. for a total of 3,369, an average of 375 a month.