Now in its fifth year, Underwood Jewelers hosted its three-day trunk show benefiting Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue April 11-13.
The event featured a cocktail party, raffle, Lagos-designed jewelry and some very enthusiastic furry friends looking for a home.
During the trunk show, Underwood Jewelers donated a portion of all Lagos jewelry sales at their Ponte Vedra Beach location to help support Ayla’s Acres’ 45-acre sanctuary for animals in need. In addition, the event hosted a meet-and-greet for community members to adopt pets featured at the rescue and learn more about the organization.
“(This event) helps in a few ways,” said Fran Charlson, Ayla’s Acres executive director. “It enables the community to learn more about us and our processes. We have a sanctuary with 160 unadoptable animals, and we work to support all of that. We go through 500 pounds of dry dog food a week at the sanctuary. Our horses during the winter months have to have hay and the vet care for all our animals runs between $3,000 and $4,000 a month.”
In addition to Underwood Jewelers’ contribution to the no-kill animal shelter, renowned designer Lagos donated a $2,500 bracelet that was raffled off during the event. Featured guest and actor, artist and animal advocate Loretta Swit also made an appearance in support of the rescue.
“Underwood has been absolutely terrific to us,” Charlson said. “They’ve raised money for us and helped the Ponte Vedra community become familiar with us. We love coming here. There is a lot of animal lovers at Underwood and a lot of jewelry lovers in Ponte Vedra so we just thought it was a great combination.”
For anyone interesting in showing support for the organization, Ayla’s Acres is hosting a Community Outreach Night Out at the Colonial Oak Music Park in St. Augustine on April 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. The inaugural spring fundraiser is held in conjunction with St. Augustine Youth Services and will feature live music, dinner, drinks, raffle and silent auction. For more information, visit Aylasacres.org.
