The fifteenth annual silent auction to benefit Middleburg Humane Foundation promises to be fun and fabulous when it takes place June 20th at Peace & Plenty at Bollingbrook Plantation in Upperville. Rose Marie Bogley will hostess the evening that has become one of Hunt Country's important social and philanthropic events.

A spectacular attraction this year is a Champagne Raffle for a five-day stay for four at the lovely French 'Chateau Les Charmettes' near Toulouse, France. Only 100 tickets will be sold for this $6,500 package that includes a day of golf, a day of tennis and a wine tour of the region. Tickets are $100 each and are going fast!

Among luminaries who have donated items are Country Music Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban who donated an acoustic guitar with a certificate of authenticity and a photo that will be autographed to the winner and movie star and local activist Robert Duval who has donated and autographed several of his DVD's including Lonesome Dove, the most popular Western television series ever made.

Works of art will play a major part in this year's Silent Auction with works by internationally recognized Ria de Wit and local artists Lina Liberace, Penny Hauffe and Gail Guirreri-Maslyk.

Wonderful Gift Baskets of all kinds will include gastronomic treats, movies and overnight stays at lovely local inns including the Poplar Springs Inn, The Blackthorne, The Ashby Inn and Three Fox Vineyards.

Should you like to venture farther afield, you will have an opportunity to bid on stays in an Outer Banks beach house, a Florida Condo or a Net-Jet round trip flight for Four.

Also included in the Silent Auction are two lower-suite seats for the Washington Capitals, a gorgeous Elizabeth Locke sapphire 19K ring, a massage, whitening for your teeth and the list continues for miles.

Economic Crisis Hits Home

Now more than ever, Middleburg Humane needs your help.

"It's heartbreaking," said Middleburg Humane Founder and President Hilleary Bogley when speaking of the impact the economic crisis is having on animal shelters across the country.

"Time and again people have no option except to bring their beloved four-legged companions to a shelter. Among the reasons are 'foreclosure pets,' when families are forced to move into no-animals-allowed apartments. Other pet owners simply can no longer afford to feed and medicate their pets.

"Across the country, Humane Organizations are seeing a dramatic decrease in financial support at the very time there has been a tremendous increase in the number of animals in need of help."

Hilleary and her devoted staff take in abandoned and abused animals of every description with the commitment to house, feed, medicate and nurture them until a suitable, loving 'forever' home can be found.

For tickets to the June 20th Middleburg Humane Benefit, please contact: The Middleburg Humane Foundation at: 540 364 3272. Tickets are $200 each of which $125 of each ticket is tax deductible.