Animal Harbor went with a Hollywood theme during its 11th annual Bone Drop fundraiser held on Aug. 26, and it was certainly one huge event to celebrate as the animal shelter turns 20 years old this year.

The Bone Drop is Animal Harbor’s top fundraiser with the proceeds going to support the shelter’s lifesaving efforts and community-support programs.

“With over $25,000 in funds collected, we are able to support our lifesaving programs and keep the harbor light burning and open for animals that need a safe place to land,” Animal Harbor Executive Director Emily Holland said. “This success means everything to us in our 20th anniversary year.”

The volunteers who helped set up the event were key to the success as well as the many attendees who waited it out in the scorching heat to watch the bones drop from a Decherd Fire Department truck onto the bullseye target below. A total of 283 bones were sold for a new record.

This year’s winners whose bones landed closest to the bullseye include: Catherine Cavagnaro, first place $3,000 prize; Lisa Prince, second place, $1,500 prize; and an anonymous cat lover, third place, $500 prize.

Holland and Animal Harbor staff said they have hearts that are full of gratitude for what this means for the animals they are able to save because of the generosity of the local community.  

“We want to thank each and every individual donor who participated, new and repeating,” Holland said. “Thank you especially to our friends at Decherd Fire and Rescue who came out to drop the bones from the fire truck — how entertaining!”

This year’s event included a presentation by Julie Taylor who donated her talent and time to sing the evening away, thoroughly entertaining everyone with her beautiful voice.

The canine-enrichment team also brought the shelter’s adoptable dogs outside to meet guests and take red-carpet photos.

“The love and dedication that the canine-enrichment team pours into our dogs is so apparent, and because of them, we have some pretty well-behaved pooches ready for adoption,” Holland said.

C & J Dogs & More provided delicious food for attendees.  

Holland also wanted to thank the Animal Harbor Fund Development Committee who sold the bones and organized the event as well as all who promoted the event via social media, print and radio.

“It truly takes a village, and we are incredibly proud that our community believes in our organization and loves the animals as deeply as we do,” Holland said. “Thanks also to our red-carpet banner sponsors that include ‘saint level’ sponsors, Animal Care Center, LLC, Southern Tennessee Cardiology/Dr. Mircea Basaraba, Moore-Cortner Funeral Home and Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions.”