In keeping with the animal-friendly theme, vegetarian and vegan food was served, while cocktails were poured at one of several bars stationed alongside the room. Delicious doggie treats that looked like people food were passed around as well, keeping the pooches happy. Adorable animals for adoption were also guests at the event, and attendees were encouraged to take home a four-legged friend from the Washington Animal Rescue League.

Animal Lovers and Their Dogs Gather at Union Station on Saturday, April 30

Washington, DC – On Saturday, April 30, The Washington Animal Rescue League will host its largest fundraising event of the year with an elegant reception and silent auction at historic Union Station.  Jim Handly of NBC4 News will serve as Master of Ceremonies.  Eleanor Clift, J.C. Hayward, and other prominent animal-lovers will also be attending.

“The Gala really is a highlight of the year for us and everyone in the area who cares about animals,” says League CEO Dr. Gary Weitzman, who is also the weekly pet expert on WAMU’s “Animal House.”. “Not only is it an opportunity for the League’s growing community of supporters to celebrate the amazing work that goes on all year, but it also raises much-needed resources for our Disaster Rescue Fund, which we use to rescue animals from large-scale cruelty cases and natural disasters and bring them to the League for rehabilitation and placement in loving, forever homes.”

In 2010, the League rescued large numbers of animals from a hoarding situation in Mississippi, a dogfighting ring in Ohio, an abusive North Carolina medical research lab, a fire at an animal shelter in Kuwait, and many other dire situations. And this year looks to be even busier, according to Weitzman. “We’ve already taken in animals from hoarding situations in Ohio and West Virginia, and it’s only April,” he says.

The silent auction includes Washington Nationals Base Hit Experience Package with baseline reserve tickets and on-field passes to batting practice, hotel stays across the country, and dinner with Orioles players Matt Wieters & Brian Roberts, and much more.

Details:            Rescue Me Gala 2010

Saturday, April 24, 2010, 8:00 p.m.

Union Station’s East Hall

50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE

More information is at http://www.warl.org/Gala

The Washington Animal Rescue League is a non-profit organization with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home animals who have nowhere else to go and strengthen and preserve the human-animal bond by supporting animals in their homes through affordable veterinary care, community outreach, and education.  A recent $4 million renovation made the shelter one of the world’s most humane, animal-friendly facilities for dogs and cats in transition.  Since 1996, the League has also operated a full-service, low-cost Medical Center for the companion animals of low-income area residents and shelter animals.  Its unique Project Rescue provides an array of services that help people struggling in difficult economic times to care for and keep their animals. For more information, visit www.warl.org.

Saturday, April 24, 2010
Union Station
Washington, DC

7:00 PM ● VIP Reception
8:00 PM ● Gala
Dogs on leashes are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Rescue Me Gala is The Washington Animal Rescue League’s largest fundraising event of the year.  This elegant cocktail reception brings more than 500 animal-loving individuals and companies, along with their canine friends, together at historic Union Station.  The 2010 Rescue Me Gala supports our efforts to promote the welfare of companion animals and assist the people who love them through animal rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and affordable veterinary care.  In addition to Gala tickets, top Gala sponsors will reach the League’s dedicated and diverse audiences through recognition in all facets of the League’s publications, event materials, and at the League facilities.

Individual Sponsorships and Tickets:

Purr…fect Companion – $2,500
Group Individual Ticket Package ● 10 for VIP Reception and Gala

Individual Tickets
Individual VIP Ticket – $250
Individual Ticket – $150 ($125 if purchased before March 31, 2010)

Order tickets online

Only attendees with VIP distinction will be eligible to attend the VIP Reception.

Corporate Sponsorship Levels:

Top Dog – $25,000
20 tickets for VIP Reception and Gala ● Premiere recognition in promotional materials, invitation, and event program journal

The Cat’s Meow – $10,000
15 tickets for VIP Reception and Gala ● Recognition in promotional materials, invitation, and event program journal

Dog’s Best Friend – $5,000
10 tickets for VIP Reception and Gala ● Recognition in promotional materials, invitation, and event program journal

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales, please contact Renee Smith, Events Coordinator at (202) 375-7746 or renee.smith@warl.org // ‘;l[1]=’a';l[2]=’/';l[3]=”;l[25]=’”‘;l[26]=’ 103′;l[27]=’ 114′;l[28]=’ 111′;l[29]=’ 46′;l[30]=’ 108′;l[31]=’ 114′;l[32]=’ 97′;l[33]=’ 119′;l[34]=’ 64′;l[35]=’ 104′;l[36]=’ 116′;l[37]=’ 105′;l[38]=’ 109′;l[39]=’ 115′;l[40]=’ 46′;l[41]=’ 101′;l[42]=’ 101′;l[43]=’ 110′;l[44]=’ 101′;l[45]=’ 114′;l[46]=’:';l[47]=’o';l[48]=’t';l[49]=’l';l[50]=’i';l[51]=’a';l[52]=’m';l[53]=’”‘;l[54]=’=';l[55]=’f';l[56]=’e';l[57]=’r';l[58]=’h';l[59]=’a ‘;l[60]=’= 0; i=i-1){
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With your donation of $1,000 or more for gala tickets or gala sponsorship, you are entitled to honor or commemorate a loved one with an elegant plaque on the League’s lobby wall.