'Patriotic Pets' gala benefits North Fort Myers shelter

"Love Hurts" by Darryl Pottorf uses different images of Robert Rauschenberg at different ages with his pets. The Animal Refuge Center will be holding its 14th annual Starlight Auction fund-raiser to benefit orphaned and abandoned animals housed at the sanctuary. The event will be held at Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. The theme for the evening is "Patriotic Pets." It will feature a silent and live auction, dinner and a complimentary cocktail.

Highlighting the live auction will be two original paintings from Darryl Pottorf. The first one, "Consequential Refuge," contains animal imagery and Mr. Pottorf's use of the sheltering umbrella. The second painting, "Love Hurts," is created with images of the young Bob Rauschenberg and his varied pets. Each painting is valued at more than $20,000.

Also offered in the live auction will be highly desirable artwork by Trinh Mai, Butler Steltemeir and Nancy Colby; wood carvings by Luke Andrews; stunning "bling" by Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry; along with safari trips to South Africa, gift certificates and trips to local and far-away resorts. In total, more than 200 items are available.

Celebrity hostess for the evening will be Amy Wegmann, FOX-4 News. Tickets are $70 per person and includes admission, a buffet dinner and cocktail. To order tickets, contact Betty Hughes at 841-0810 or by e-mail at: bettyhughes@ comcast.net. Last year's auction raised more than $121,000 for the more than 350 cats and 60 dogs at the North Fort Myers-based Animal Refuge Center.

The Animal Refuge Center is a notfor profit animal welfare society, dedicated to caring for all homeless animals brought to its care at its 22 ½-acre sanctuary in North Fort Myers. The sanctuary houses a Welcome Center, Canine Training Center, 12 feline facilities and 29 canine lodges. It is home to more than 350 cats and 60 dogs.

For more information, visit www.AnimalRefuge. com