On August 27, the first annual Potcake Ball will be held on the resort’s beach with proceeds derived from the fund-raiser going towards the construction of a new animal shelter, which will house much-needed facilities to accommodate the growing needy animal population on Grand Bahama.
“We desperately need community support. We need a new facility so that we can better serve the community,” said Tip Burrows, co-manager of the Humane Society with Renee Slone. “The current facility that we are in, the working conditions and the living conditions for the animals are just horrendous, and we’ve got to do better. We want to do better, so we need support with this fund-raiser and support throughout the year.”
Under the theme “Barefoot Elegance,” the event will include a sunset cocktail cruise with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, a dinner served on the beach, and live entertainment. There will also be a silent auction.
The Potcake Ball is being held in honour of the late Dennis O’Flannery, former vice-president of Real Estate Sales at Old Bahama Bay, who was supportive of the Humane Society and had adopted Holly, a potcake.
“After his sudden and tragic death, we created the 1st annual Potcake Ball in his honour, as he loved Grand Bahama Island, West End, and his potcake, Holly,” said Old Bahama Bay’s Chief Operating Officer, Bob Kramm. “The Potcake Ball is a celebration of Dennis’ contributions.
“My family has always expressed care and concern for animals. In fact, our golden retriever Lucky is currently a resident at Old Bahama Bay. It was through our mutual love of animals that we met Dennis O’Flannery and his wife, Jennifer, almost six years ago.”
Mrs. O’Flannery and other members of the family will be attending the ball. Holly will be there, as well, to make a brief guest appearance.
Mr. Kramm said that it is anticipated that more than $3,000 will be raised to help the Humane Society continue their work or helping the island’s needy animals.
An area of land ﾖ two-and-a-half acres ﾖ has already been donated by the Grand Bahama Port Authority for construction of the new facility. Grand Bahama Development Company Chairman Sir Jack Hayward recently made a generous donation of $50,000 to the building fund account.
“We are very excited for the big event and are eager to add the contributions to our building fund account,” Mrs. Burrows said. “The proceeds will also help us with animal care expenses, as we depend on donations and fund-raisers to pay for dog and cat food, vet bills, and so much more.”
Mrs. Burrows said the site of the new building will be on Coral Road between the sporting complex and the chicken farm. She noted that there are already two major contractors who have agreed to clear the property for them and provide fill for the land.
“We are hoping to have a ground-breaking ceremony in the next few months and get started with this,” she said. “We’d love nothing better than to be in a new animal shelter this time next year. The plans are almost completed. We are rolling with this, but we’re doing it basically on a wing and a prayer that the community is going to step in and help make it happen.”
Tickets for the ball can be purchased at the Humane Society.
Old Bahama Bay is presenting the Potcake Ball through its “Fun-raiser” programme that the resort has recently implemented. The programme focuses on supporting non-profit organizations across the island.
By JEREMY FRANCIS, Freeport News Reporter
