A volunteer hands a raffle prize to a lucky winner during the Shamrock Shakedown fundraiser for Friends of Charlie’s Place at the Vintage Moose in Idaho Springs on March 14, 2026.
Guests wearing festive St. Patrick’s Day hats gather inside the Vintage Moose for the Friends of Charlie's Place fundraiser.
One of the raffle baskets on display during the Shamrock Shakedown fundraiser included dog toys, pet-themed gifts, and treats donated by local businesses to benefit the animals at Charlie’s Place.
Attendees browse silent auction items and place bids on donated baskets during the Friends of Charlie’s Place fundraiser at the Vintage Moose in Idaho Springs.
IDAHO SPRINGS — The Vintage Moose filled with music, laughter, and fun vibes on Saturday night as locals gathered for a St. Patrick’s–themed fundraiser to support the animals at Charlie’s Place.
The March 14 Shamrock Shakedown hosted more than 50 people for an evening of raffles, a silent auction, food, and live DJ music from JJR Entertainment.
Volunteer Kathleen Ashpaugh said the event raised $1,776, surpassing previous years.
Jan Demas and Kimberlee Hill made the baskets for the silent auction. Businesses in Georgetown and Idaho Springs donated items.
Proceeds from the event benefited Friends of Charlie’s Place, the volunteer-run nonprofit that supports the Clear Creek/Gilpin County Animal Shelter.
Friends of Charlie’s Place is a 501(c)(3) organization consisting of volunteers who raise funds and provide support for the shelter’s animals and for pet owners throughout the mountain community. The group helps with medical care, supplies, and adoption support for dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes.
Inside the Vintage Moose, raffle tickets were drawn as guests compared silent auction bids and enjoyed hot dogs and chili dogs from the kitchen. The prize tables were full of themed baskets and donated items from local businesses.
Silent auction items included gift baskets such as a “Love My Cat” basket, a “Love My Dog” basket, a Tommyknocker Brewery basket, a Broncos fan basket, and several others featuring pet toys, restaurant treats, and local merchandise. Some bids climbed over $100 as supporters competed to support a good cause.
Throughout the night, volunteers expressed gratitude for all those helping the shelter.
“Thanks, guys, for coming. Thanks for supporting Charlie’s Place,” one organizer told the crowd as the next raffle numbers were called.
By the end of the evening, the fundraiser had delivered exactly what organizers hoped for: a lively night for the community and extra funds for the animals waiting at the shelter.
The next event for Friends of Charlie’s Place will be Canine on the Creek on May 17. It features an exciting course around Idaho Springs and aims at celebrating the pets of Clear Creek and Gilpin counties.
