IDAHO SPRINGS - Angels, devils, and even chickens took over the Idaho Springs Elks Lodge on October 26, 2024, for the “Howl at the Moon” fundraiser, a night brimming with costumes, music, and generosity in support of Charlie’s Place animal shelter. 

With pumpkins, witches, and zombie decorations, the event was the perfect setting for a spooky celebration, all benefiting the Clear Creek/Gilpin County no-kill animal shelter.

The annual fundraiser brought together community members eager to help pets in need while enjoying music by JJR Entertainment’s Josh Reagon, who has faithfully spun tunes for Howl at the Moon for the past 12 years. 

The evening's main attraction was a costume contest, with the first-place winners dressed as Colonel Sanders, a mother hen, and a baby chick, taking home a $50 gift certificate, cozy blankets, and other prizes. 

Silent auction tables overflowed with donated goodies, from restaurant gift certificates to themed baskets for pet lovers, Broncos fans, and wine enthusiasts. Local favorites like Cabin Creek Brewing, the Vintage Moose, and Tommyknocker Brewery pitched in, while Beau Jo’s provided the pizza to keep the energy high.

Friends of Charlie's Place (FOCP), which has tirelessly supported Charlie’s Place through a challenging year, ensures all proceeds from events like Howl at the Moon directly fund shelter needs. 

In the past 12 months alone, FOCP contributed $33,681 to medical care, $8,404 for spaying and neutering, and $7,381 for behavioral training, helping more animals become adoptable. The organization also provided $25,317 for food and supplies, and even covered $750 in transportation costs, ensuring no shelter animal goes without the essentials.

Thanks to these efforts, dogs at Charlie’s Place enjoy agility equipment in their play yards and elevated beds fitted with durable vinyl, allowing each dog a comfy rest off the cold floor. 

FOCP's community also stepped up for behavioral training through Friends for Life Holistic Pet Training, helping pets with social and behavioral challenges. Many of their success stories, like Tonto and Lone Ranger, puppies found on the freeway who were later adopted, and Hopper, a young, deaf Catahoula mix, are thanks to FOCP’s support.

Charlie’s Place, based in Clear Creek County, provides a loving environment for shelter animals, never letting a pet go without food or medical care. FOCP even donates pet food to Loaves and Fishes, supporting local families in need. 

These contributions are amplified by community partners like the Idaho Springs and Central City Elks Lodges, Black Hawk City Council, and Clear Creek Rotary, all of which support annual events like the Canine on the Creek Fun Run, Gilpin County Fair, and Touch-a-Truck, all vital fundraisers for FOCP.

With sincere gratitude, Friends of Charlie's Place extends thanks to the dedicated staff, volunteers, foster parents, adopters, and local veterinary clinics whose generosity and hard work keep Charlie’s Place thriving. 

It’s through events like Howl at the Moon and the compassionate support of the community that Charlie’s Place remains the heartwarming, no-kill haven it is today. 

For those who want to help, donations and volunteer opportunities are always welcome and make a world of difference in the lives of our community's animals. More information can be found at https://www.friendsofcharliesplace.org/.