READING – One of the biggest fundraisers to benefit animals sheltered by the Humane Society of Berks County returns this weekend to Reading with an out of this world selection of art.
The Art for Arf’s Sake Auction, which will kick off at 5:30 p.m. this Saturday at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center, will include a cantina band, costumed performers and sci-fi artwork. Among the items to hit the auction block is a poster signed by the cast and creative team of the TV show ‘Futurama’ and a signed manuscript of the unpublished story ‘Tortoise Without Hare’ by Michael Swanwick, a Hugo and Nebula Award-winning science fiction author. There will also be paintings by area artists as well as original watercolor studies by Betsy Lewin, a Caldecott Award-winning children’s author and illustrator, and artwork by Wes Freed of Drive-By Truckers and Donato Giancola, whose work has appeared in Lord of the Rings collections and the ‘Magic: The Gathering’ card game.
‘The work we do here in Southeastern Pennsylvania to change the way animal welfare is approached has been modeled in other shelters across the country. It has also helped us gain some prominent fans like Michael Swanwick, Betsy Lewin, Adrienne Trafford, John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants and all the other musicians, artists, and authors who have supported us in previous years,’ said Karel Minor, HSBC executive director.
Guests are encouraged to dress up in science fiction themed costumes and clothing.
The live auction, carried out by Dick Henry, will start at 7 p.m.
Passes to the event cost $40 for individuals, and $150 for patron packages with reserved seating and an exclusive preview reception. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Lindy Scholar Center in Reading at 610-921-2348, the Holly Miller Center in Douglassville at 610-385-0928, or securely online on at shop.berkshumane.org
Food and beverages are complimentary courtesy of sponsors including Weyerbacher Brewing and Sweet Street Desserts. Free, secure parking is available across the street from the Sovereign Center.
The Humane Society raised $100,000 through the auction last year and hopes to top that figure. The money is planned for the organization’s pet adoption, veterinary services, and charitable programs including Ani-Meals on Wheels, which helps pet owners who cannot afford food for their animals.
‘This auction may be our most important yet, since we’ll be unveiling the plans for our new ‘Humane Society of Tomorrow’ and breaking ground shortly after the auction,’ said Minor.
