A recently neutered dog, complete with a cone of shame, poses with his veterinarian.
Guests check out the many donated items at the Howl at the Moon fundraiser for Charlie’s Place on October 24, 2026.
A disco couple goes all out with their 1970s costumes at the Idaho Springs Elks Lodge.
A witch chats with one of the creepy twins from "The Shining" during the Halloween fundraiser.
The night's winning costumes were worn by the women dressed as the eerie twins from "The Shining."
A Tommyknocker Brewery gift basket was among the many items donated for the silent auction.
Brady Fowler, Republican candidate for Gilpin County commissioner, stands with his wife, Christy Fowler, and organizer Kathleen Ashbaugh (middle) at the Howl at the Moon fundraiser on October 24, 2026.
IDAHO SPRINGS — What do you get when you combine a Halloween party with a silent auction to benefit an animal shelter?
Answer: a howlin’ good time!
Whether it was to get dressed up, to bid on local items, or to celebrate Halloween, the animals at Charlie’s Place were the ones who really benefited.
The Idaho Springs Elks Lodge was the place to be on Saturday night, October 24, 2026, for the Friends of Charlie’s Place's annual “Howl at the Moon” fundraiser. Costumes were encouraged, dance music was playing, and tables of donated auction items gave everyone something to bid on.
The event has been going on for about 17 or 18 years, according to Kathleen Ashbaugh, who helps organize it, and it continues to draw a good crowd.
This year, the evening brought in $4,300, with about $3,400 remaining after expenses. And that money is already going to good use.
Two longtime canine residents of Charlie’s Place, Trina and Sidekick, recently needed dental work. Poor Sidekick had to have five teeth pulled. Ashbaugh said the money raised will cover those veterinary expenses, with some left over for food and treats.
The silent auction featured cat and dog gift baskets alongside wine baskets, games, restaurant gift certificates, a handmade quilt, and even a private tour of the Hotel de Paris.
Local businesses donated meals, merchandise, and services. Items came from Tommyknocker Brewery, Cooper’s on the Creek, Cabin Creek Brewing, Jennifer’s Nail Bar, and many others.
As the 8 p.m. deadline approached, people were checking their bids and making last-minute decisions about just how badly they wanted that particular basket.
I even got in on the action, bidding on a manicure and pedicure donated by Jennifer’s Nail Bar. There was another Mindy on the bidding sheet, which made things a little more interesting, but I managed to get the winning bid just before the auction closed.
Jen, owner of Jennifer’s Nail Bar in Idaho Springs, opened her business on Valentine’s Day this year and has been getting involved in community events ever since.
"I think they're absolutely great for advocating for animals, especially here locally," she said of Charlie’s Place. "It benefits so many families that can find their loved pet that they've been wanting for years."
She said supporting local nonprofits is important to her, especially as a new business owner getting to know the town.
A costume contest awarded first place $50 and two passes to Indian Hot Springs. Second place received two hot springs passes.
Between the bidding and dancing, guests enjoyed sandwiches, pizza, chips, cookies, and other appetizers. Beau Jo’s, Two Brothers Deli, and Azteca donated food for the evening.
Charlie’s Place, located at 500 W. Dumont Road in Dumont, is the animal shelter serving both Clear Creek and Gilpin counties. It takes in stray, abandoned, homeless, and surrendered cats and dogs, providing them with care while they wait for new homes.
Friends of Charlie’s Place is a nonprofit organization established in 2007 to help cover expenses that go beyond the shelter’s regular budget. That includes veterinary care, dental work, training, food, and other needs that can make a big difference for an animal waiting to be adopted.
The organization also helps pet owners in the community who may be struggling to afford veterinary care.
Ashbaugh said Howl at the Moon was once the organization’s biggest fundraiser, although this year the Dog Days event at Dostal Alley in Central City brought in even more.
Still, the annual Halloween party remains a favorite, and it takes a lot of people to pull it off.
Ashbaugh thanked the local businesses that donated auction items and all the volunteers who decorated, worked the front door, managed the silent auction, and returned Sunday to clean up.
If you missed the party, you can donate at friendsofcharliesplace.org via PayPal, Venmo, or Colorado Gives. Checks can also be mailed to Friends of Charlie’s Place, P.O. Box 292, Dumont, CO 80436.
Anyone interested in adopting, fostering, or volunteering can contact Charlie’s Place at 303-679-2477. Shelter visits are by appointment.
