Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation held its 10th annual Spring Fling Auction on June 1 and raised over $92,000 in net proceeds at Useless Bay Golf & Country Club.

“This outpouring of community support will help the stray and abandoned pet population that arrives at WAIF shelters,” said Bob Rupp, WAIF board president and event emcee.

He described the auction as “a true demonstration of people coming together on behalf of homeless pets.”

The event, put on entirely by dedicated volunteers, is supported by sponsors, individuals and businesses who contributed auction items that were then heavily bid on by auction guests.

“The energy from the evening’s event was electric and exhilarating,” Rupp said. “It’s always fun to see people bid good-naturedly with each other, especially when the animals benefit. It was great to see people from around the island and surrounding communities support WAIF’s mission of finding homes for all of our healthy and adoptable animals. We’re amazed and so grateful for all the support WAIF receives.”

WAIF welcomed back auctioneer Paul Schenfeld from Stokes Auction Group who encouraged auction attendees to raise their bid cards with his playful sense of humor. Spring Fling Event Chairs Dawn Ritter and Merritt Atwood and event volunteers also received accolades from Rupp.

“They continue to make each Spring Fling a unique and exceptional experience and WAIF is in awe of the tireless effort that goes into coordinating the Spring Fling auction,” he said.

As the island’s largest and oldest animal welfare organization on the island, WAIF expressed appreciation to the community for its continued support in helping homeless pets find “forever homes.”

Rupp said money raised from the evening’s event will provide daily care, food, education, spay/neuter, medicine and adoption services for Whidbey Island’s homeless pets. For more information, visit www.waifanimals.org.