Cape Coral Animal Shelter fundraiser: ‘Shelter House Rock’ to benefit building fund
The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery is again hosting its Decades Party to benefit the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, the first no-kill shelter in the city.
The third Annual Wicked Dolphin Decades Party: 1950’s “Shelter House Rock” will take place on March 11 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the distillery. The era-themed fundraiser will feature costumes, music, contests, live and silent auctions, and a champagne diamond drop with a one-carat diamond to win.
Last month, the Cape Coral City Council approved a 99-year lease agreement with the Cape Coral Animal Shelter – a not-for-profit organization – to build and operate the shelter on 4.2 acres of city-owned property next to the William “Bill” Austen Youth Center, behind the Lake Kennedy Center.
It is expected to cost $2 million to build it, with more than half of the funds already raised.
“It’s to benefit the Cape Coral Animal Shelter’s building fund,” JoAnn Elardo, owner of the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery, said on Thursday. “This is one of our largest fundraisers that we do.”
She noted that the event draws between 200 and 300 people.
The first event celebrated the 1920s, while the 1940s were spotlighted last year.
“We started out with prohibition, then we went through the 1940s,” Elardo said. “Next year it will be the 1960s.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear attire fitting of the era or a personality from the decade.
“I have some people that are coming as greasers and rockers – some of the musicians from that era,” she said, noting that others are dressing as soldiers and stockbrokers. “Like a ‘Mad Men’ type of look.”
“It’s kind of like a sock hop type of thing,” Elardo added.
The tickets cost $75 and include admission, hors d’oeuvres and desserts from well-known area restaurants, music and entertainment, a cash bar, the contests to win, the auctions and more.
“We’re going to have several contests,” Robin Griffiths, the event chair, said.
There will be best male costume, best female costume and best look-alike costume.
“We’re going to have dance contests,” she said.
“It’ll be dance contests that have to do with the era,” Griffiths added.
There will also be a Hula-Hoop contest, bubble gum blowing contest and more.
“Things that are just fun for the era,” she said.
The winners will receive gift certificates to local restaurants.
The diamond drop is sponsored by John Michaels Diamond and Jewelry Studio.
“One hundred champagne glasses all having a diamond in them, but only one is real,” Griffiths said, adding that each glass will be $20. “They can purchase as many as they would like to purchase.”
She noted that the retail value of the diamond is approximately $3,000.
“We have some really great auctions,” Griffiths said.
There will be a total of four live auctions. The prizes include a professional sports package, Broadway trip to New York City, wine-making trip to Sonoma in California and Caribbean getaway package.
“We have some awesome silent auction items, too,” she said.
The items range from gift baskets and artwork, to airplane tickets and boat rentals.
“There’s a variety of things that are going to be available,” Griffiths said.
Attendees can also take part in a wine cork pull, along with a raffle for a fisherman’s package.
“All kinds of things for a fishing person,” she said.
Culinary delights will be served up by several local restaurants, including Ceno Grill, Big Blue Brewing, Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon, Fathoms Restaurant & Bar, Cork Soakers Deck and Wine Bar, Lobster Lady Seafood, Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery and Noela Chocolate & Confections.
Entertainment and music will be provided by a deejay.
“It’s going to be busy and fun all night long,” Griffiths said.
Roving photographers will be take pictures that will later be posted to Facebook.
“And we do have someone bringing a tricked out hot rod for photo opportunities,” she said.
Tickets can be purchased at the distillery, as well as at Raso Realty, Stephen Todd Interiors, Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group, Big Blue Brewing and John Michaels Diamond and Jewelry Studio.
“Tickets are still available, but they are going fast,” Griffiths said on Thursday.
They can also be bought online at: capecoralanimalshelter.com/.
“It’s all about the Cape Coral Animal Shelter,” she said. “It’s a great event, but it’s really about the animals that are in need in Cape Coral.”
For more information, visit: capecoralanimalshelter.com/event/decades-party or visit on Facebook by searching for the “Wicked Dolphin 1950’s Decades Party” event page.
The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery is at 131 S.W. Third Place.