Who says money can’t buy you love?
It may at least buy a date that could lead to love via the Sept. 18 Charity Date Auction at Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos.
Consider Savannah native Griffin Brawner, 36, dubbed a “super cutie” and “hottie” by Facebook viewers.
Or there’s the “super pretty” Holly Johnson, a Georgia Southern University nursing student.
“There is always the possibility that relationships could develop from the dates,” said Brittany Rowland, coordinator for the event. “What better way to tell people you met than raising money for such a deserving charity?”
But there’s also the chance to meet bright-eyed Sipsie. The female beagle-terrier mix is one of many dogs waiting for a home through the charity that the auction helps fund.
Money raised for a date with one of the participants — including Brawner and Johnson — ultimately means care for pups like Sipsie through Coastal Pet Rescue.
All the funds from the date auction will go toward veterinary bills, said Lisa Scarbrough, Coastal Pet Rescue’s founder and director.
The all-volunteer, nonprofit group saves the lives of homeless, abused and neglected dogs and cats in Savannah and surrounding areas.
So far this year, they’ve helped 110 canines and 32 felines, Scarbrough said.
But the majority of pets that come to them haven’t had any health care.
Most of the adult dogs need heartworm treatment and dental work in addition to standard shots plus spay or neuter work.
A heartworm-positive dog can cost Coastal Pet Rescue more than $1,000 in veterinary bills, but the group only asks for a $150 adoption fee.
They charge the same adoption fee for all dogs ($150) and all cats ($40) regardless of medical costs.
“So we need donations to make up the difference,” Scarbrough said.
It’s not fair for an adopter to pay more because one pet came in with worse health than another, she said.
Rowland knew someone in Atlanta who raised a significant amount of money through a charity date auction, and thought a local event would be fun for people in Savannah.
Also, she wanted others to learn about the Savannah Jaycees, who are hosting the event, and help Coastal Pet Rescue.
Rescuing animals is something Rowland holds close to her heart, and she mentions her own rescued dog that was abused by its previous owner.
To see other animals up for adoption, go to www.coastalpetrescue.org/adopt.
To see potential dates’ photos and mini biographies, see the Facebook page Charity Date Auction Benefiting the Coastal Pet Rescue. At last mention, nine women and 11 men were up for auction.
The event starts with a social hour from 7-8 p.m. allowing attendees and dates to get to know one another.
Bidding begins around 8 p.m., with a participant standing on stage next to an auctioneer. The bidding starts at $25.
Each person being auctioned has been sponsored by a local restaurant, bar or attraction. They will use gift cards given by those sponsors for the date.
“I’m excited. We’ve never been a part of an event like this,” said Scarbrough of her 11-year-old pet rescue group. “And we’re really blessed to have this group of young business individuals so involved in wanting to make a difference in their community.”
IF YOU GO
What: Charity Date Auction benefiting Coastal Pet Rescue
When: 7-10 p.m. Sept. 18
Where: Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos, 314 Williamson St.
Cost: $5
Info: www.savannahjaycees.com or Facebook page
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Date a 'super cutie,' save a pet at Savannah auction
