Actress Loretta Swit to host Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue gala

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Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue recently announced its fifth annual gala, Shake, Rattle and Roll Casino Night to raise funds for its Peter’s Friends Animal Resource Center project. It will be hosted by Loretta Swit of M*A*S*H fame, from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at the River House, 179 Marine St. in St. Augustine.

Fundraiser games will include Texas Hold ’Em poker, slot machines, Blackjack, Roulette and Craps. Guests can trade “funny money” for raffle tickets to win items donated by local businesses. A silent auction will feature travel, art and other items. Heavy hors d’oeuvres from The Purple Olive and dessert selections will be served, and beer and wine will be available. Little Jake and Soul Searchers will entertain guests who can dance away the evening.

Loretta Swit has 14 Emmy nominations and two wins, a People’s Choice Award, four Golden Globe nominations, The Sarah Siddons Award and a Lifetime Career Achievement Award from the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival. She was host and creative consultant on the series “Those Incredible Animals” for the Discovery Channel. For her ceaseless humanitarian efforts, she recently received the Betty White Award by Actors and Others for Animals, and is an honorary board member of Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue. She will sign copies of her newly released book, “SWITHEART: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit.” Proceeds from book sales will go to the Switheart Foundation, of which Ayla’s Acres is a recipient.

“This is our fifth Loretta Swit and Friends Gala. It’s an important component in making Peter’s Friends a reality.” Fran Charlson, executive director said. “Events such as this will make that possible. This event is going to be a wonderful evening of fun and entertainment right in St Augustine. You won’t want to miss it!”

Ayla’s Acres is raising funds to build the St. Johns County-based Peter’s Friends Animal Resource Center, which will serve as an adoption facility, low- or no-cost spay and neuter clinic and education and outreach center. The nonprofit receives no government funding, relying instead on private grants and donations of money, supplies and items that are sold through its thrift shop in St. Augustine.

Tickets are $95. Tickets include a drink ticket (beer and wine), $100 in “funny money,” one raffle ticket, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing and live entertainment. For tickets, visit www.aylasacres.org, call (904) 325-3554 or go to Ayla’s Acres Thrift Shop located at 142 King St. in St. Augustine.