Summer Lights to shine on wine tasting, auction

The Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association is hosting Summer Lights, its annual wine tasting and silent auction benefit, Saturday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration Grounds.
Tickets are $25 and are available to persons 21 and older in advance or at the door.

"Each year ticket holders sample an array of wines while experts educate and entertain with their knowledge of the wines and its uses," said Diane Forbes, in a press release issued by the Humane Association, a non-profit organization that is independent from animal control agencies in Shelbyville and Bedford County. "Jay Patel of Economy Liquors has gathered area vendors who (will) donate the most popular wines and their time to the event. Hors d'oeuvres and wonderful foods will be provided by area restaurants, caterers and individuals."

Proceeds from the wine tasting and silent auction will go toward general upkeep of the animal shelter, along with veterinarian bills, utilities and repairs. Last year, the SBCHA raised about $8,000, said Kimberly Warren, volunteer.

"Ticket sales are going well (this year)," Warren said. "We normally have between 150 and 200 people. This is definitely our biggest fundraiser of the year. I know it has been going on at least 25 years."

Forbes said there will also be a silent auction with more than 75 unique and interesting items, including jewelry, gift baskets, savings bonds, gift certificates, oil paintings, and sleepwear from the Donna Nadeau Collection of New York. While guests are enjoying the wine and good food, bids for the silent auction items are placed in writing on bid sheets arranged at the base of each item. The highest bidder at the end of the evening is able to purchase the item.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at Peoples Bank of Bedford County, First Community Bank, Merle Norman, White Door Salon, and the Omni Center, or by calling SBCHA at 684-KIND or e-mailing SBCHA@hotmail.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

The SBCHA is also accepting items for the silent auction as well as food tables.

SBCHA was established 31 years ago and is a non-profit organization that is funded by contributions. It is solely operated by volunteers and concentrates on animal adoptions, spay-neuter programs, pet education and cruelty investigations.