It's that time of year again when local, animal loving benefactors pull out all the stops to benefit the animals at the Middleburg Humane Foundation.

Months ago the hustle and bustle started with one goal in mind: raise funds for the rescued, abused and abandoned animals.

There were meetings and the delegation of responsibilities to some of the most kind hearted and generous people one could ever meet. From the classic chores of finding a great caterer, securing a spectacular florist, obtaining fabulous items for the silent auction, designing, addressing and posting invitations to appointing someone to generate a corps of volunteers to design delightful dinner tablescapes, it takes real dedication to make this annual evening a smashing success.

Previous MHF Galas have provided a great old time without guests having to give any thought to the months of preparation required to coordinate this annual event. In the past this glamorous occasion took place at Rose Marie Bogley's historic Peace and Plenty at Bollingbrook Plantation. Now, after 15 years of hosting the gala, she will finally be able to enjoy the festivities as an honored guest.

This year, the black tie event will take place at Mrs. George L. (Jacqueline) Ohrstrom's beautiful estate in The Plains.

The music will be provided by the Mary Redmond Band and catering by the award winning Festive Foods.

The much anticipated, traditional feature will be the Silent Auction which promises to be the best ever in the 16 years in which this fund raising event has taken place.

Recently, it was my great privilege to receive notification that internationally renowned, local sculptor, Jean Clagett had decided to donate a beautiful bronze, "The Blessing of the Hounds," valued at $4,000 to the silent auction. The sculpture depicts a woman in flowing robes, modeled after local philanthropist Dr. Betsee Parker, blessing a group of hounds while a horse and rider, modeled after Edie Smart, stand by. The lovingly executed bronze captures every detail including the intricate harness.

Other items of interest in this year's Silent Auction will be a pair of hand crafted earrings by Elizabeth Locke, an Hermès Platter, an Ultra-light flight, paintings, engravings and, to my delight, one of Dennis Kyte's well-loved, collectable GUND bears with the accompanying first edition, leather bound book "The Last Elegant Bear."

I admit to having a whimsical side, so the bears and rabbits by Kyte will send me quickly to the Silent Auction. One of the highlights of the evening will be a Champagne Raffle. The prize, donated by Nick and Kate Vanoff, is a romantic get-away to a Chateau in the south of France which includes a day of golf, a day of tennis and a day of touring the wineries of the region.

With all the related event activities going on, the real goal is never out of sight: provide a truly memorable evening for the community that will help raise the funds needed to ensure excellent care for the poor, abandoned and neglected creatures rescued by and housed at the Middleburg Humane Foundation.

Because the organization receives no government funding, the proceeds from the annual gala are essential to provide a safe environment and good care.

For reservations to and information about the June 19th black tie event, please contact Laura Honahan at 540-222-9978 or candlelaura@gmail.com