A pharaoh and his queen: Winners of the costume contest, Scott and Sandy Pennell, reigned over the Charlie’s Place fundraiser Howl at the Moon on Saturday, October 28. PHOTO BY MINDY LEARY[/caption]

Animal lovers and community members gathered on Saturday, October 28, 2023, for a howling good time at the annual Howl at the Moon event. Despite the inclement weather, around sixty passionate attendees, many in delightful costumes, came together to support a noble cause at the Elks Lodge, located at 1600 Colorado Boulevard.

The event, organized by the Friends of Charlie’s Place, aimed to raise funds for the shelter animals at Charlie’s Place, a beloved non-kill shelter located in Dumont, Colorado. Charlie’s Place is the official animal shelter for Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties. The Friends of Charlie’s Place, a dedicated group of volunteers, tirelessly work to support the Shelter and assist companion animals and their owners within the community.

The event organizers procured over fifty auction items, including gift certificates from Mountain Prime, Pickaxe Pizza, 511 Rose Street, Azteca, Wood Cellar, Coopers on the Creek, The Vintage Moose, Ameristar and the Lodge Casinos, Loveland Ski Area, Cabin Creek, and many more.

Swag was donated by the Gilded Fox, Tommyknockers Brewery, Clear Creek Liquor, and Mountain Moonshine, among others. Pizza was donated from Beau Jo’s Pizza.

Jill Barker donated a variety of themed gift baskets, including “Broncos Fan,” “Love my Pet,” and “Beer’s the Best.” One of the standout baskets, “Love to Drink,” contained items like wine, coasters, a cheese board, wine charms, and a Restaurant.com gift certificate. The generosity of attendees shone through as these baskets, valued from $175 to $325, found new homes, contributing significantly to the event’s fundraising efforts.

The costume contest winners were Sandy and Scott Pennell.

All in all, the event raised over $2,700 ,with all of the proceeds going to Charlie’s Place Animal Shelter.

Nestled in the heart of Dumont, Charlie’s Place has a rich history of providing a safe haven for animals in need. The shelter, run by compassionate staff and volunteers, has become a cornerstone of the community. Their mission is not only to rescue and shelter animals but also to promote responsible pet ownership within Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties.

The facility offers a warm and caring environment for animals awaiting their forever homes. With clean and comfortable living spaces, medical care, and dedicated staff, Charlie’s Place ensures that all their animals receive the love and attention they deserve.

The success of events like Howl at the Moon relies heavily on the support of the community. Charlie’s Place encourages individuals to donate their time, resources, or funds to help sustain the shelter’s operations. Volunteers play a crucial role in the daily care of the animals, while donations enable the shelter to provide essential medical treatments, food, and supplies.

Special thanks go to the Elks for hosting the event, and Kayla Weichel for volunteering. Also to the wonderful volunteers for helping to set up, run the event and cleanup. And finally to the amazing DJ, Josh Reagon with JJR Entertainment LLC.

Let’s come together to ensure that every animal finds a loving and permanent home, one paw at a time.

For more information on how to get involved or make a donation, please visit the Friends of Charlie’s Place website at www.friendsofcharliesplace.org, or contact the shelter directly. They are located at 500 W. Dumont Road, Dumont, Colorado, 80436. They can be reached at 303-679-2477 or visit their website at https:// charliesplaceshelter.weebly.com/ for more information.