Sherrie Hines already has a plan for part of the $25,000 that MOAS raised at its 10th annual Bark & Wine on Saturday.
An immediate need is replacing the air conditioning unit at MOAS’ main building.
“We always try to budget for big expenses; you know at some point an AC is going to go out, but it was not a great time,” said Hines, MOAS board member and event coordinator. “So I think that's going to be one of the first places that money is going to go.”
The Bark & Wine, which was held at Historic Smithonia Farm, is MOAS’ largest fundraiser of the year, and this year’s amount surpassed last year’s total of $20,000.
The shelter is also looking ahead to other operational challenges.
“We are working really hard on our transports and also trying to expand spay-neuter capacity,” Hines said.
The event, held under twinkling chandeliers and with sounds of live music from the Comer String Collective, also featured dinner, local wine, and silent and live auctions with over 100 donated items.
Hosted by longtime MOAS supporter Mike Musgrove, the live auction featured items from Braves tickets behind home plate to several branded gift packages.
Alongside the food and fun, the evening recognized several individuals for their contributions to the shelter’s operations.
Pam Fox was honored as the shelter’s volunteer of the year.
“Pam was very instrumental in putting all of this together,” MOAS director Juli Huth said during Fox’s recognition. “Pam was out there advertising, talking to people for the auction items and all of that. Not only does she do that, but she has fostered with us throughout the last year, and she is working at the vaccine clinics. If you've ever gone to one of our vaccine clinics, you’ve probably seen Pam.”
Allison Owen and Lori Hines were also recognized as foster parents of the year for their dedication to providing temporary care to animals in need.
“It’s people like Allison and Lori who step up to do the work that really very few people are willing to do, and even fewer are capable of doing successfully,” Hines said.
As the shelter continues to navigate mounting maintenance costs and operational needs, the Bark & Wine offered a time of community connection.
“I love MOAS. I’m highly involved in animal rescue, and I just wanted to really support MOAS and help raise money,” said Athens’ Claire Diana, one of the attendees.
Hines highlighted the evening’s positive energy.
“It was just that kind of contagious enthusiasm for what we’re doing (that) I think is really nice and is always on display in the live auction,” she said.