-- Barkfest at Bonhams Benefits
AKC Humane Fund --
If you are
planning to visit New York City for next month's Westminster Kennel
Club Dog Show don't miss an opportunity to discover fascinating
canine artifacts and fine canine art as well as support the good
works of the AKC Humane Fund by viewing one of its newest
collections at the American Kennel Club or joining us for the annual
Barkfest at Bonhams Charity Brunch.
The American Kennel Club founded the non-profit AKC Humane Fund not
only to promote responsible dog ownership and celebrate the bond
between people and pets through education, outreach, and
grant-making but as a meaningful way to give back to the dogs we
love. Since the fund's inception one main goal has been to develop a
rescue grant program for parent clubs and parent club-approved
organizations. I'm proud to say that vision has now become a
reality.
To date the fund has given 9 grants of $1,000 each the first going
to The Silky Terrier Rescue Charitable Trust. "Silky Rescue" began
more than 20 years ago and today rescues approximately 60 dogs each
year from shelters and owner surrenders nationwide. The organization
places dogs in foster homes, provides needed veterinary care
including vaccines, dental procedures, spays/neuters and other
necessary surgeries. Once the dogs are stable, both physically and
emotionally, they are adopted into new, loving homes.
In addition to the Silky Terrier Rescue Charitable Trust, other
grant recipients include the Tibetan Mastiff Rescue, Inc., Arizona
Basset Hound Rescue, Australian Cattle Dog Rescue, Inc., American
Bouvier Rescue League, Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare
Foundation, Magnolia Gordon Setter Club Rescue, American Belgian
Malinois Charitable Trust, and the Akita Club of America, Inc.
The AKC Humane Fund not only "gives" but "receives" as well. A
recent contribution - the antique canine-themed cane collection of
Lawrence and Shirlee Kalstone featuring 98 canes - is now on display
at the AKC headquarters at the entrance to the AKC Library. We
encourage fanciers to come visit these delightful artifacts which
besides having intricate and ornate handles transform into other
uses like a sword and a rifle. The AKC Humane Fund provides fanciers
an appropriate place to donate art, books or collectibles which will
benefit not only those who donate to the 501 (c)3 charity but
provides them a permanent home where fanciers can enjoy, appreciate
and view them for generations to come. Any donations of $1,000 or
more will be memorialized on a brass plaque featured on the fund's
Wall of Honor at AKC.
To further the fund's mission once again this year all proceeds from
the annual Barkfest at Bonhams Charity Brunch for the AKC Humane
Fund on Sunday, February 14th from 10am to 12pm will help us
continue our good works. This year's event, a preview for the
Bonhams Dog Sale on the following Tuesday, Feb., 16, 2010, promises
to be a real thrill for literary fans as a dog collar belonging to
Victorian literary great, Charles Dickens, will be among the items
on display. The large thick leather collar with brass buckle and
nameplate reads, "C. Dickens, Esqe., Gad's Hill Place, Higham." was
likely worn by one of Dickens's larger dogs such as his
Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, or St. Bernards.
In addition to the Dickens dog collar over two hundred works of
canine art and memorabilia from the 19th and early 20th centuries
will be on display. Well-known canine artists include Maud Earl,
Arthur Wardle, William Trood, and many others.
Both you and your canine companion are welcome at the "Barkfest" at
Bonhams' fashionable new galleries located at 580 Madison Avenue,
between 56th and 57th Streets. Admission to the Charity Brunch is a
$50 donation to the AKC Humane Fund with reservation by phone, or
$60 at the door. To reserve your space, please call AKC's RSVP line
at 212-696-8277. We hope to see you there! For more information on
the AKC Humane Fund visit www.akchumanefund.org.
Sincerely,
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