Potter League's "Have A Heart" is a Valentine to its Homeless Pets

Event Co-Chair Judith Enstone fixes Roe O'Brien's

auction-promotiong sandwich board

And they call it puppy love… What better time than Valentine’s Day weekend to show our affection and support for the furry friends who add so much to our lives, and for the organizations who rescue them and find them homes? The Potter League for Animals is now in its 38th year of presenting what is easily one of the most popular and well-attended events of the Newport winter season: the Have a Heart Benefit for Homeless Animals. This year’s party, held once again at the Hotel Viking, drew in upwards of 475 attendees!

Upon entering the hotel lobby, our hearts melted at the sight of a flatcscreen TV rotating through images of adorable dogs, cats, and rabbits currently up for adoption. And as we turned towards the way to the coat check and downstairs ballroom, we were met by several cheerful pooches in their prettiest red and pink party dresses, along with their proud handlers. We later learned that the dogs took different shifts throughout the night and new ones were brought in so the others could have a break – greeting guests is exhausting work!

Pretty puppies in their Valentine's Day best!

The event kicked off with an hour-long VIP preview party featuring complimentary drinks, passed hors d’oeuvres, and antipasto stations, with music provided by violinist Ilana Katz. Event Chairs Judith Enstone, Deb Elliott, and Roe O’Brien Moldow were busily making preparations such as fitting volunteers with themed costumes sandwich boards to promote the major live auction items. The organization’s Board of Directors was extremely well-represented and included President Patty Spigel and Vice President Harriet DiCicco. Potter League Executive Director Christie Smith was also present to oversee and enjoy the evening.

Have a Heart is notorious for its unbelievably extensive collection of silent auction items in an array of categories which include artwork, jewelry, gift certificates to local restaurants and retailers, travel, spa, pet-themed gifts, and clothing – just to name a few! As we perused the tables, we ran into many of our favorite Newporters including Roger and Sandra King, Betsy Ray, Dick and Nancy Brickley, David Ford, Lorraine and Jeff Farrar, Dayton Carr, Elizabeth Tiedemann, Bettie Pardee, and Liz and Emlen Drayton. Emlen reprised his role as official Emcee for the night, performing his own form of auction item standup commentary and describing items over a loudspeaker.

Sandra King, Nancy Brickley, and Betsy Ray

Shortly after the main event began and switched to a cash bar, the “Break a Heart Booth” opened and immediately drew a huge line of guests interested in trying their luck by purchasing a $30 grab bag of donated items worth at least that amount. The 50/50 cash raffle was another great opportunity to donate to the cause and perhaps even win a some cash at the same time.
The live auction began at 7:00, with veteran Newport auctioneer Mike Corcoran taking the stage, using his great sense of humor and calling sandwich board-wearing item promoters onstage to encourage bidding.

Karl and Teryn Weintz were thrilled to win a two-hour Twelve Metre yacht charter for ten on Narragansett Bay donated by Seascope Charters, and Alison Vareika and daughter Hope were all smiles after winning a week’s stay in Paris, France, donated by Brendan and Pamela Kelley. Other items included a week stay at the The Boca Grande Club in Florida donated by Barbara Fernandez, an Indian Cooking Class with Dinner for eight donated by Jim and Jane Moore, a stunning framed oil painting donated by William Vareika Fine Arts, and tickets to a Celtics vs. Bobcats game with overnight stay at the Omni Parker House in Boston, donated by Chris and Caitlin Smith.

Elizabeth Tiedemann and Pat Heller (3rd from left)

congratulate Teryn Weintz and husband

Karl on winning the 12-Metre charter

Judging from the exceptional turnout and the popularity of both auctions, raffle, and gift bags, there will be a lot of very happy animals continuing to find the shelter, care, and homes they need in the upcoming year.

-- Amanda M. Grosvenor

Learn more about the Potter League for Animals at www.potterleague.org