Guests of the TAILS Humane Society fundraiser were all smiles Saturday as they arrived in tropical attire and heavy winter coats.

Pink flamingos surrounded candle-lit tables. Warm, pink lighting gave a serene sense of the perfect sunset that was only interrupted by the occasional flash of a camera.

The third annual fundraiser, held in the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom, was TAILS’ signature event to raise money for the construction of a new shelter facility on Barber Greene and Peace roads.

“We do a number of smaller fundraisers throughout the year, but this is by far the largest,” said TAILS president Kathy Stelford.

With more than 350 guests each year, the event raises between $25,000 and $30,000 annually, Stelford said.

The event held a silent auction, where more than 200 items were donated by local residents and businesses, said Ruthanne Trunda, member of the TAILS board of directors.

Guests had the option of bidding on everything from baskets of pet toys to a $950, handcrafted grandfather clock.

A live auction conducted by Steve Almburg got the event moving as TAILS supporters bid on 17 different items.

People mingled around the tropically decorated tables. Everyone was in high spirits to be helping such a good cause.

“There are a lot of good souls here tonight who really care,” Trunda said.

Stelford agreed, saying everyone in attendance had one thing in common; “a passion for animal welfare.”

DeKalb residents Jim and Jodi Long said TAILS is a great organization.

Jim jokingly said they were the parents of four kids: three cats and one dog, as Jody pulled out pictures of all four from her back pocket. Two of the cats were adopted from TAILS last year.

Included in the crowd was a special guest from TAILS.

Carson, a pure white kitten, was TAILS’ goodwill ambassador.

Carson will play an important role in helping TAILS kick off its therapy program, said Christy Boecker, TAILS shelter manager. He will visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools to help teach citizens about animal care.

Education is just as important to TAILS as animal placement, she said.

“As the organization matures, we will focus on education for animal welfare for the county,” Trunda said.

The guests at the event seemed very in tune with animal welfare.

Stelford said TAILS is getting better every day and in every way. She thanked the attendees of the fundraiser for allowing TAILS to continue to grow.

TAILS workers said they plan to have a grand opening for the new shelter in May.