SPCA Albrecht Center's fall gala raises money for shelter animals

Dede Biles, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Oct. 9—The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare's fall gala — Wags, Wine and Whiskers — was a festive event Sunday that included a sit-down dinner and live music.

But there also was a sense of urgency because the work never ends at the Aiken facility where abused, abandoned and neglected dogs, cats and other creatures are offered care and the opportunity to find forever homes.

"We are overcapacity," said Sybil Altman, Albrecht Center's executive director.

There are approximately 200 dogs and cats at the shelter.

"We have about 100 dogs, which means we are double capacity for dogs," Altman said. "We've really been relying on our foster homes lately to relieve some of the pressure."

In addition to providing a financial boost with the money it raised, the fall gala "brought attention" to the shelter, according to Altman.

Just inside the front entrance of the Constantine House, where the event was held, there was a poster on an easel that featured the photos of 20 dogs and cats that had been at the Albrecht Center for a long time.

One of the dogs had been a resident of the facility for more than 1,000 days.

"We're hoping that someone will see them and be interested in meeting one of them," Altman said. "Our 'long-termers' kind of get overlooked for one reason or another, and it doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong with them."

Altman had prepared a speech for Wags, Wine and Whiskers, and in it was a reminder to the more than 200 guests about why they were there.

"To quote the late Al Sorenson (a former SPCA board chair), it's all about the critters," Altman wrote. "It's about giving hope and happiness to those who cannot speak for themselves. It's about making sure that every wag of a tail, every purr and every whisker feels safe and loved."

Altman also praised SPCA board member MaryAnn Wennemer for spearheading the organization of the fall gala.

"It's a great event that she's put on," Altman said.

In addition, a silent auction and a raffle were held during the event.

SPCA Chairman Emeritus Barbara Nelson donated several items: a dachshund purse and Jack Russell terrier and dachshund scarves that she designed along with a sculpture of two kittens that she created.

"If you want anything designed, let me know," she told the admirers of the scarves and purse.

The SPCA has been helping save the lives of animals locally since 1935. The Albrecht Center opened in 2012 at 199 Willow Run Road. Immediately prior to the facility's construction, the SPCA's headquarters was on Wire Road.

For more information about the Albrecht Center, call 803-648-6863 or visit letlovelive.org.