John Roberts from Rozier's Oil Company and Bunky Roberts from WWR, Inc. stepped up right away to ensure we would have a successful event.  Casey Caison from Southern Air and a few anonymous donors were right behind them.

Our honored guests for the evening included Michelle Stevens-Kraft and Jeffrey Kraft, and Kim Walther and her husband Werner.  Michelle and Jeffrey have been working with us since this spring to increase the public's awareness of our continuing difficulties - all over Northeast Florida.  They are personally responsible for generating tens of thousands of dollars in donations since April.  Kim Walther, from Palatka High School, has been the driving force behind our Paw Prints newsletter for as long as anyone remembers!  (You can read June's version on this website).  Dr. Carl and Gail Maier, Dr. Perry Smith, and PGA Tour Management and employees were also to be feted, but had to make their regrets.  The Maiers and Smiths continue to donate their medical skills to help us keep everyone healthy and happy.  The PGA Tour management and employees are great supporters; we hope they'll continue to make us one of their "pet" projects!

The musicians were FABULOUS!  The Concrete Cowboys opened with great renditions of some of the best songs ever recorded;  they were followed by the Travelin' WOOFbury's from the Hawthorne/Gainesville area - a group comprised of 3 separate groups who came together for this one night, and sounded like they had been playing together for 10 years!  Travelin' Pete was up next and really kept things movin'.  Then there was a great jam session we like to call Sandie's Hodge Podge in honor of Sandie Rauhuff, a great musician and artist who took on the gargantuan task of signing up and organizing the musical talent...and then sang a few songs with the group...to our delight!  Palatka's own Silver Lake Drive was on next.  Playing from the balcony, they got everyone on their feet dancing...they are really good!  Last, but not least, was Dr. Roy and his one man band from St. Augustine...his range is unbelievable.  You can hear him yourself at our "Animal House at the Courthouse" Pet (and owner) HOWL-o-ween Party on October 31st!!!  Also must thank Bill and Gay from Palatka's Downtown Blues for lending us their very expensive equipment for the night.

We have to thank the Elks' own 1232 Cookin' Crew for their skill in the kitchen, and finely tuned delivery.  I've never seen 130 people served that quickly before!  Everyone raved over their Low Country Boil (with chicken alternate).  And then there were the party organizers, Chinese Auction donors and winners, and all of the volunteers who helped make this a really fun night.  There's a list after the pictures, but I'm sure someone will be missed...sorry in advance!

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