Totally Unauthorized

Acrobats are great dancers, too

Last night Gail and I went to a charity gala in Sonoma, with our friend Dave Allen from Artefact Design and Salvage. It was a fundraiser for Pets Lifeline, an animal shelter.

“What’s this?”, you’re thinking.  “Chris isn’t some big animal lover.  The only pets he owns are chickens, so what is he doing there?”  Good question, here’s the answer: 1) Dave is a big supporter (he loves animals, and is flirting with one of the leaders of the charity, too. 2) It’s the greatest fundraiser ever.  They have some hidden connection I don’t understand, and get Cirque du Soleil to provide entertainment.

Yes, a group of acrobats and entertainers come up from Las Vegas, taking a night off from KA, (their show at the Mirage), to provide jaw dropping spectacular amusement to the dog lovers of Sonoma.  Proving once again that it’s who you know that counts.

The evening started with wine and hors d’oeuvres, with some small amusements:

After we were fed and lubricated, we entered a large tent, and the show was on.  Here’s a clip of some of the good stuff:

In the middle of the show, there was the inevitable auction.  They keep it to only 6 items, so it doesn’t drag on forever.  The big prize was a night in Vegas, a suite in the MGM, a fancy dinner and VIP seats and a backstage pass to KA.  They ended up selling three of these packages, for $5500 apiece.  The full week at a resort outside of Rio de Janiero went for only $4300.  Gail threw in a bid just to get the price up and we darned near won it.

The last auction item was a “no-prize”–nothing at all auctioned, just a plea for donations, starting with $5000, which three people went for, then $3000, then $1000, on down to $100.  Over $43,000 was raised just that way–I was impressed.

This was the second annual Black Cat Cabaret, and we’ll be sure to be there next year, too.  You’re welcome to join us.