Join Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, VT for our Annual Benefit Gala & Auction.
Our theme for this year’s event is “The Care We Give,” highlighting the vital role of the resources and services that Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society provides, both while animals are in our care to long after they’ve been adopted into caring, loving homes.
Tickets are $150 per person (includes one complimentary drink)
Exciting live & silent auction items (view live auction items below)
Live auction presented by Auctioneer Eric Nathan
Catered by New England native Chef Christopher Sailer of Christophe Catering (view menu below)
Acoustic music by artist Josh Hall during cocktail hour
Dancing to follow live auction
Click here to purchase your tickets now!
The Annual Benefit Gala & Auction is our largest fundraising event of the year. The evening’s proceeds will go towards the care of the animals at Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, and help fund our programs that support keeping animals in loving, caring homes.
This event is made possible by our generous sponsors and partners:
Oldfield Kitties • Mascoma Bank • Farrell Distributing • Vermont Spirits • Pet Food Warehouse • Kate & Co. • King Arthur Baking Company • Blood’s Catering & Party Rentals • Anonymous • Jeanne Matos • Cynthia Moore Coaching & Consulting • Jane Osgood & Ted Hilles • Dennis & Claire Shillen • Karen Teller
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LIVE AUCTION ITEMS
“Take Me Out To The Ballgame”
In a ballpark famous for bringing fans close to the action, nothing approaches the intimacy of Dugout Club Seats at Fenway Park. Watch the Red Sox take on the Houston Astros on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from row 1, seats 1 – 4, Dugout Box 56. You’ll gain a heightened appreciation for the speed of a major league game and the extraordinary skills required to play it, while immersed in sights and sounds that will make you feel part of the action. Before the game, you’re invited to enjoy the comfortable lounge-like ambience of the Ford Clubhouse, with a menu that includes traditional Fenway favorites as well as creative cocktail selections. There’s no need to rush home after the game either as you can spend the night in a two bedroom private condo located on the South End of Boston. Donated by Jack Connors and Karen Teller.
“Quebec’s Luxurious Past & Present”
Escape to the stunning province of Quebec! Immerse yourself in the “joie de vivre” of Montreal, where you’ll first enjoy a two-night stay at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. After a scenic ride aboard the Canadian Rail (includes round trip Business Class train service from Montreal to Quebec City) you’ll further enjoy a two-night stay at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, which boasts a reputation as one of the world’s leading hotels. Both hotel stays include daily complimentary breakfast and all room-related taxes. This package also includes a $200 Fairmont gift card to use as you like.
“Taste of the Upper Valley”
One of our most popular auction packages of all times is back. This year’s Taste of the Upper Valley package is super-sized to keep the winning bidder dining out all year long. This package includes gift certificates to The Prince & The Pauper Restaurant, The Village Butcher, The Public House, Windsor Station, Pizza Chef, Splendid Bakes, The Vic Tavern at The Village Inn, dinner for two at the Red Rooster, dinner for two at Cloudland Farm, and a 1-night stay for two with breakfast at The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm. Donated by a variety of restaurants and establishments across the Upper Valley.
“I Love New York”
This amazing package includes two fifth-row orchestra seat tickets for Tony-nominated CABARET on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 8 PM at the August Wilson Theatre; a two night, studio king room stay at the luxurious, boutique and nostalgic REFINERY HOTEL, September 20th & 21st; and a $100 gift card to enjoy a delicious Southern Italian family feast at CARMINE’S RESTAURANT. Collectively, this package is the ultimate and quintessential New York experience that is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Donated by Dennis and Claire Shillen.
“Champion of the Animals”
This one-of-a-kind, unique package will give one lucky bidder the opportunity to sponsor one lucky cat and one lucky dog at Lucy Mackenzie, helping each of them to find the loving home of their dreams! It also includes a wide variety of branded Lucy Mackenzie merchandise, a personalized Lucy Mackenzie paver, and an exclusive tour of our shelter. Your name will also be publicized widely (if you so wish!) across all of Lucy Mackenzie’s social media, celebrating your kindness and generosity as a “Champion of the Animals.”
“Under The Tuscan Sun”
Enjoy seven night’s accommodations for four in your choice of twelve gorgeous properties all located in or near the ancient town of Manciano on the southern edge of Tuscany. Each property includes two bedrooms with one or two baths, a kitchen and living area. Ancient Manciano is 90 minutes north of Rome on the southern edge of Tuscany. Manciano extends for 37,203 square kilometers in a hilly zone situated between the valleys of Albegna and Fiora. Donated by Leone Hinzman.
“Elegance on Ice”
This elegant and graceful polar bear will bring a touch of class, as well as charm, to any home that it adorns. Beautifully made from marble, and crafted with great love and attention to detail, his character and personality literally shine through for all to see, as he merrily skates along. Having spent the last few months of his life adorning Lucy Mackenzie’s lobby, “Walter” (as we have come to know him), has made for a great conversation piece, as well as capturing the hearts of all those who meet him. As with all animals who enter Lucy Mackenzie’s doors, though, the next chapter of his life deserves to be lived in his very own forever home. Donated by Jeanne Matos.
“The Pearl of the Caribbean”
Claim your own slice of Paradise in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, Caribbean for six days & five nights at Oyster Bay Beach Resort in an ocean front room for two, including a three-hour jeep island tour (land only). The Oyster Bay Beach Resort is a secluded tropical hideaway nestled on an eight-acre peninsula between beautiful Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond, where you’ll enjoy the breathtaking ocean views, white sandy beaches, full-service dining and Caribbean nightlife. Trip includes all room-related taxes and free concierge reservation service.
“A Catered Affair”
Invite 25 guests to your home, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy yourself and relax while we serve you. This catered affair is historically one of Lucy Mackenzie’s most popular auction items and features an elegant array of handcrafted hors d’oeuvres. In addition, this package includes a raw bar and oyster experience courtesy of the Pop-Up Oyster Bar Company, and is completed with a mixed case of red and white wine. This is a truly lovely and unique occasion which can be shared with your closest family and friends. Donated by Chef Jeanne Matos and Corey Burleigh of Pop-Up Oyster Bar Company.
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MENU
Americana
Bruschetta of Sundried Tomato Pesto, Goat Cheese & Fresh Italian Herbs
Grilled Artichoke Bruschetta with Lemon, Capers & Shaved Peccorino
Grilled Vegetable Strudel with Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Purée
Tomato Galette with Fresh Herbs & Blend of Italian Cheeses
Crudite Cups with Assorted Fresh Vegetables & Herb Dressing
Asian
Vegetable Potstickers with a Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce
Bao Buns with Pickled Vegetables & Fresh Cilantro
Assorted Vegetable Sushi with Soy, Wasabi & Ginger
Tofu Pockets with sautéed Sprouts, Zucchini, Onions & Black Sesame Seeds
Satay of Grilled Baby Eggplant with Soy Ginger Glaze
Mediterranean
Fajita Vegetables in Mini Quesadillas with Fresh Herbs
Black Bean Slider in mini Pitas with a Cilantro Chipotle Sauce & Pickled Vegetables
Strawberry or Blueberry Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese & Almonds
Baby Potatoes with Sour Cream & Olive Tapenade
Mac n Cheese with Toasted Bread Crumbs & Fresh Parsley