‘Great Catsby’ event nets $10k

As United States tourists Jeff Pelch and PJ Carlin walked down Waterfront Drive last Friday evening, the sound of the music from the Government House enticed them to check out what was going on.

Arriving at the entrance, they learned the event was the second annual Great Catsby fundraiser for the Humane Society of the BVI.

“They said it was an $85 admission, and we at first balked,” Mr. Pelch said. “And then she said it was for the humane society and we were 100 percent in.”

Each with rescue dogs of their own, the pair said they are always happy to support such organisations.

“Everyone welcomed us with open arms, and everyone had a rescue story of their own as well,” Mr. Pelch said.

Governor’s cat

Governor Daniel Pruce was among the attendees with an adoption story: His rescue cat, Lucy, came from the Philippines.

“We’re very keen to do our bit to support [the] humane society for all of these good causes that are really helping with animal welfare here in the territory,” Mr. Pruce said.

Flapper theme

With a 1920s theme emulating the era of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel The Great Gatsby — which was made into a film most recently in 2013 — more than 80 attendees came dressed in flapper-style attire.

About $10,000 was raised over the course of the night, according to event organiser Els Kraakman.

Ms. Kraakman, who is on the humane society’s board, said the evening was a success. “Everybody dressed up; everybody’s happy,” she said. “We had a lot more dancing than last time.”

‘Keeps the doors open’

Event organiser Amanda McKenna, who is also on the humane society’s board, agreed.

“Fundraising keeps the doors open,” Ms. McKenna said.