by Tina Woody, Volunteer Coordinator
WOW! Barkitecture 2009, "A Visit to Hollywoof", was a Howling Success for the animals and programs at the Benicia Vallejo Humane Society. Over 500 people attended the Gala and Auction night to make this the most successful Barkitecture to date, while the People's Choice and Preview Party the week before brought in over 200 attendees.
Volunteers Julie LaValle and Nori Obinata at the Barkitecture Preview Party.
Hosted by Team Superstores of Vallejo, the People's Choice Voting and Preview Party offered a "first look" for more then 200 partygoers who were in awe of the creations by our "Barkitects". The bar was tended fabulously by SOMIRA Volunteers and pizza was provided by Round Table Pizza on Sonoma Blvd in Vallejo. Fabulous desserts came from Confections Creations by Aleric. Another new feature was the "Bark Shop," with "Barkitecture" logo T-Shirts and Sweatshirts and "Barkitecture" logo reusable shopping bags, along with Logo Frisbees donated by Aardvark's Dog Training Center of Vallejo, bagged dog treats and dog and cat toys, among otheritems. A host of BV Humane Volunteers kept the event running smoothly and an enjoyable experience for attendees.
An original oil painting is auctioned off at the Barkitecture Gala.
The Barkitecture Gala and Auction held at the Solano County Fairgrounds' McCormack Hall created a buzz for all who attended. The crowd this year of over 500 guests were "pawing" through and bidding on over 400 silent auction items. A local stamping club made miniature domicile as the centerpiece for each table. Favor bags of mini dog bone treats and cat grass seeds adorned the beautiful guest tables ;which had all been carefully set by our volunteer staff with donated linen table cloths and napkins the prior day. And the food! Fabulous restaurants, single owned businesses and non profit organizations stepped forward for the unprecedented gift of pure donation.
The Barkitecture events have become a community attraction and our community awaits the fabulous event each year. Many change family vacations and business trips to attend at least one of the events and, sometimes, even both!
The domiciles exhibited enormous creativity, talent and endless amounts of love and were among the most creative entries to date. The "Hollywoof" theme sparked enthusiasm and creativity like wild fire!
Vallejo City Councilman Michael Wilson presided as Auctioneer during the Live Auction.
At the live auction were items ranging from a vintage carousel horse to private wine tours and tastings and business advertising on the Team Superstore electronic signage marquee. Also up for grabs was a fabulous case of Diva Champagne, among other wines, and a guitar signed by Classic Rock artist Steve Miller. Vallejo City Councilman Michael Wilson acted as Auctioneer.
In such an uncertain economy and with so many animals needing the special, one-of-a-kind service offered here at BV Humane, it was a true blessing to see the donations, attendance and overall support actually increase this year to the largest this event has ever seen! We would like to thank all our sponsors, supporters, donors and attendees - your support is deeply appreciated.
If you were among the few who did miss out on Barkitecture 2009 there's always Barkitecture 2010 which we have already started planning! It promises to be an even more fabulous event! The tentative date for People's Choice Voting & Preview Party is Sunday, March 21, 2010, with Barkitecture Gala and Auction set for Friday, March 26, 2010. Updates will be posted on www.barkitecture.net. Check back for confirmation on dates, places & times!