Kevin and Robin organized an event in 2009 titled Wags & Whiskers Gala. The Carey's won the use of the North Carolina Aquarium at a live auction in November and decided to donate use of the facility (complete with aquarium staffing and equipment) for a fundraising event. The Wags & Whiskers Gala will be take place Friday, November 18th, 2011 from 7:00 PM until 11:00 PM. The Wags & Whiskers Gala brought six animal welfare organizations together for the first time in 2009! This process helped to strengthen the voice of the animals via our group and allowed us to effect change on many levels for animals on the Outer Banks and Currituck. The event benefits the following non-profit charitable animal welfare organizations:.

1. Animal Lovers Assistance League (Currituck Shelter)
2. Coastal Humane Society
3. Feline Hope
4. Friends of Pooh Canine and Feline Cancer Fund
5. Outer Banks SPCA (Dare County Shelter)
6. Friends of Felines - Cape Hatteras Island

The event is an evening of music, dancing, sumptuous Buffet Dinner, beer/wine service, silent and live auction and an educational forum for all non-profits to educate the attendees on their respective organizations. All proceeds after expenses would be distributed equally among the six organizations identified. A requirement for receiving funds from the event is active participation on the steering committee and identified subcommittees. Through the efforts of corporate sponsorships, community support and individual donors we anticipate 300-500 guests at our event.

Our goal is to have the majority of event services provided pro bono or at cost and a wide array of auction items that would result in a significant income.

Although the economy was already sluggish, Hurricane Irene created increased need for animal related services here. However, we are confident that the Outer Banks community will be generous and supportive of the event as always.