Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation’s 12th annual Spring Fling Gala Auction and Gourmet Dinner raised a record breaking $120,000 in net proceeds, the organization announced today.

The event was held Saturday, May 30 before a sold-out crowd of animal supporters.

The unprecedented demonstration of community support will help the homeless pet population that arrive at foundation shelters and facilities for the coming year. Organization leaders expressed appreciation to sponsors who helped underwrite the event, individuals and businesses who donated items for the auction, and to attendees who “enthusiastically raised their bid cards to support programs and services for Whidbey Island’s homeless pets.”

“This year’s Spring Fling is especially meaningful as WAIF not only enters its 25th year of service, but it is also very much needed as we move into our new shelter later this year,” said Executive Director Charles Vreeland, in a Monday news release. “The tremendous support we received this year tells us that people are more passionate than ever about animals and excited about WAIF’s future and commitment to helping the homeless pet population and the families who seek our services.”

Bob Rupp, board president, returned as the evening’s emcee. He worked alongside Stokes Auction Group Auctioneer Paul Schenfeld. As a team, they led the way to a record breaking evening all motivated by the common goal of helping the homeless pet population, the release said.

The event was organized by volunteer Spring Fling Event co-chairs Dawn Ritter and Merritt Atwood and the event committee. Each year, WAIF is indebted to them for their support and desire to help the lost and stray pet population of Whidbey Island, the release said.

For more information about WAIF, visit www.waifanimals.org.