Critter Cruise

Dig out your flip flops, bring on the capris, and start looking for that favorite straw hat. It's time to go on a Critter Cruise!
Get set to sail on Friday, March 15, at 6:30pm at the Beatrice Holiday Inn Express where everyone will be on board to help the animals.
The captain of the cruise will direct you to the enticing appetizer buffet which you can follow-up with scrumptious desserts prepared by our lovely "Dessert Divas". Don't be shy.
Kick back, relax, and fraternize with all the nicest animal lovers in the area. Then get serious about bidding on some great items on both the live and silent auctions. Get a little crazy and bid high and bid often. All the proceeds go to the Beatrice Humane Society and the Beatrice Animal Shelter that it operates.
Auctioneers Denny Henrichs and Gale "Slim" Hardin will not only run the auction, but they will keep you in stitches laughing at their repartee and charming chatter. This cruise ship's floor show is well-worth the price of admission.
And speaking of admission...how does one book passage on this Critter Cruise? It's easy. There are three donor levels for our passengers.
The Chocolate Lab category is $35 per person, Golden Retriever level is $70 per person, and the Silver Tabby is $140 per person. All Golden Retriever and Silver Tabby ticket holders get one complimentary drink ticket, and Silver Tabbies also get a Pick of the Litter ticket for the special drawing.
Auction items this year include a variety of "must-haves". Need a new snow blower? Or maybe you are thinking spring and that grass that will be growing soon. Thanks to Exmark, a Toro lawn mower and snow blower will both be on the auction block. And you can add to the inner beauty of your home if you are the high bidder on a $100 gift certificate from Cedar Creek Pottery. Or win a piece of original art by native son and professional artist, Mike Weaver.
Fill your free time with tickets to a Husker football game, an Omaha Symphony concert, a Lincoln Stars hockey game, a Saltdogs baseball game, or a Beatrice Community Players production.Surprise your friends with a group of golf lessons with local pro Brad Neunaber and then bid on the four greens fees with carts at the Beatrice Country Club. Or spend some quiet time with your new mini Ipad from friends of the shelter or a Kindle touch from Diode Communications.
If you are Irish or a leprechaun wannabe, bid generously on the two dinners to the Black Crow's special St. Patrick's Day celebration. Or consider buying the Tea Party for Ten offered by Yesterday's Lady.
The list goes on and on. There truly is something for everyone, including your four-legged friends. Pet beds, unique collars, leashes, and even a St. Francis medal for your dog's collar will be available.
Is your canine companion afraid of thunder and storms? Be the highest bidder on a "thunder shirt" that calms and soothes your agitated pooch.
In addition to raising funds that help to keep the Beatrice Humane Society up and running, the evening also provides the opportunity to announce the recipient of the 2013 Weston Humanitarian Award that honors an individual or entity that serves and supports the work of the organization.
If you are interested in booking a reservation on the Critter Cruise, call 402-228-1965 or the Beatrice Animal Shelter at 402-228-9100. Come out and join the fun and helo the critters that count on us.